The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command on Sunday, announced the deployment of 1190 officers and men across parts of the state, ahead of the nationwide protest scheduled for August.
Maku Olatunde, the State Commandant of NSCDC, stated this in Awka on Sunday, after a meeting with other service commanders in the State.
Anambra was very active in the past nationwide ENDSARS protest. However, the protest was hijacked at some point, destroying police formations, and public facilities, as well as criminal activities of sorts.
Announcing the deployments, Commandant Maku said the command remains committed and unrelenting in maintaining law and order before, during, and after the planned protest.
“While 350 personnel are for the Anti-sit at home order operations on Monday, 840 personnel are to resist all forms of violent protests and lawlessness, as well as prevent vandalization of Critical National Assets and infrastructure.
“In line with a marching order given to us by the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, Â to stand firm on our core mandate as the lead agency statutorily responsible for protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the Command will not remain passive or indifferent in the face of violent activities that threaten to disrupt the peaceful co-existence of all Anambra residents or destroy our National Critical Assets & Infrastructure.
“Instead, we will take proactive measures to prevent and counteract such actions, ensuring the safety and security of Anambra citizens and the protection of such critical assets,” he said.
Acknowledging the rights of citizens to protest, the NSCDC State helmsman called on the protest organizers to operate within the ambit of the law.
“Individuals contemplating illegal acts during the protest, such as tampering with government assets or infrastructure will face severe legal consequences. The public is reminded that these actions are considered serious offenses.
“Additionally, disrupting social and economic activities in the state, particularly at strategic facilities like airports and hospitals, and hindering essential service providers from carrying out their duties, is strictly prohibited.
“Those who ignore these warnings will be held accountable and face the full force of the law,” he stated.
