“We Will Enforce This Order” – Lagos Police Issue New Rules For Nationwide Protest

The Lagos State Police Command has issued guidelines and warnings regarding the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship set to commence on Thursday, 1st August, 2024.

The Police Command, in a statement on Wednesday, said it has put in place necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment during the protest in Lagos.

The statement, signed by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, added that the Police is in receipt of a court order restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8am to 6pm on 1st – 10th August, 2024 and its operatives would ensure strict compliance.

The Police noted that everyone willing to join the protest must ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.

It added that the Police is committed to peaceful protests but would resist violence and breakdown of law and order.

The statement reads: “The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has assured Lagosians that the Command has emplaced necessary measures to ensure safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties.

“This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds about nationwide protests billed to start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing free flow of traffic.

“The Command will live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the right to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons.

“Also, the Command is in receipt of an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8am to 6pm on 1st – 10th August, 2024. The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, shall duly enforce this order.

“To this end, the Command hereby assures everyone willing to join in the proposed protests to ensure zero breakdown of law and order and ensure proper optimization of human and operational resources, effective coordination of security, and prevention of hijack of the protests.

“The Command equally calls on everyone to be security-conscious and vigilant, and encourages them to report any untoward incident or happening to the nearest Police Station or call the Command’s control room on 0806 515 4338 and 0806 329 9264.

“Meanwhile, CP Fayoade once again enjoins all peace loving Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure their safety and security.”