The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has strongly condemned the invasion of the frontage of its headquarters in Abuja by no fewer than 50 protesters on Monday.
According to the Corps Spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC management expressed deep concern over the actions of the protesters, despite prior warnings advising the organisers to stay away from its facilities and other critical national assets and infrastructure.
Babawale stated in a release that the protesters’ actions were “totally unacceptable and condemnable” as they stormed the entrance of the Corps’ National Headquarters, chanting various songs.
He further explained that the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had earlier issued directives to all Corps Commands and Formations, urging them to exercise caution in light of those who had designated October 20 as a protest day in support of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Audi, he added, had also ordered the implementation of enhanced security measures to ensure the protection of citizens and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide.
“Our respective Formations and Commands have been alerted on the need to upscale security in the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure in order to avert form of vandalism by hoodlums and unscrupulous elements who could hijack the protest,” Babawale said.
He further noted that intelligence operatives and personnel had been deployed across the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to safeguard lives and property, given concerns that some defiant individuals might still participate in the protests.
While reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, the NSCDC emphasized that it would not yield to any form of intimidation, disruption of peace, vandalism of public facilities, or actions by economic saboteurs.
“The Corps reaffirm that as much as the civil populace reserves the right to meaningful gathering and freedom of association; the need to exercise caution and restraint is fundamental especially where court bars any reasonable citizen from such gathering,” Babawale added.