Pix: Commandant of the FCT, Olusola Odumosu

The Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command, has deployed 5,000 personnel across the command to monitor developments and prevent attacks on critical assets and infrastructures during the planned nationwide protests.

The command said the measure was in line with the directives of the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, for all commands and zonal commands of the Service.

The Commandant of the FCT, Olusola Odumosu, also warned anyone planning to attack public utilities in the FCT to have a change of plan or face the full wrath of the law.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Samuel Idoko, the Commandant urged personnel to ensure that the protest is not hijacked by miscreants and mischief makers who intend to cause chaos in the nation.

He said, “Following the directive of the Commandant General on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure during planned nationwide, the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory Commandant, Olusola Odumosu has warned anyone planning to attack any public utilities in the FCT to have a change of plan or face the full wrath of the law.

“To this end, he directed an immediate deployment of 5000 personnel of his command for strategic deployment to cover all the nooks and crannies of the FCT, including all the Area Councils.

“He stated that, although peaceful protest is the civic right of every citizen, the fear of it being hijacked to cause violence, looting, arson, destruction, and unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens necessitates the call for peace enforcement and prevention of violent insurrection.”

Odumosu also called on the organisers of the planned protest to embrace dialogue, stating that much more will be achieved at the round table than embarking on actions that are detrimental to public peace and safety.

“Our job is to provide robust security before, during and after the protests for all residents, visitors and CNAI in the FCT.

“There is a high chance of breakdown of law and order, and because the FCT is the seat of power and host to the diplomatic headquarters of countries of the world, everything must be done professionally to manage and contain the situation”, the statement added.