Tensions Rise As Police Mobilize 4,200 Officers And Bomb Squad In Abuja Ahead For Upcoming Protest

Following Nyesom Wike’s declaration that Abuja is not available for protest, the police have deployed a significant number of officers to the nation’s capital. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has stationed at least 4,200 personnel at strategic locations in preparation for the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.

SP Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed this development in a statement on Friday, providing further details.

Police Deployment in Abuja

Ahead of the proposed nationwide protest, the FCT police command has mobilized 4,200 policemen across the capital. Additionally, explosive ordinance device experts have been deployed to various key locations.

In her statement, Adeh emphasized that this deployment aims to ensure public safety, protect the protesters, and prevent any hijacking of the protests by non-state actors. She mentioned that the efforts would include raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings, and shanties, along with stop-and-search operations, in collaboration with other security agencies.

“The FCT Police Command, anticipating the planned nationwide protest by some human rights activists and Nigerian youths expressing their displeasure over hunger and hardship, has proactively deployed material and human resources throughout the capital,” Adeh said.

She outlined that the proactive measures include visibility policing, deployment of explosive ordnance device experts at strategic locations, raids on black spots, stop-and-search operations, vehicular and foot patrols, and collaboration with other security agencies.

FCT Minister’s Stance

This action follows the FCT minister Nyesom Wike’s insistence that Abuja will not participate in the planned nationwide protests. Wike highlighted that August 1 is designated for the chairpersons of the six area councils of Abuja to award certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers. He urged the protest organizers to cancel the demonstration, asserting that President Tinubu is actively addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

Sowore’s Challenge

In contrast, Omoyele Sowore, the AAC presidential candidate in the 2023 election, announced that the hunger protest would commence in Abuja, challenging Wike’s stance. This declaration came shortly after Wike stated that the Nigerian capital was not available for any protests.

Nigerian governments, security agencies, and traditional rulers have warned against the protest, citing security concerns.