Boko Haram plans to infiltrate nationwide protest – Police

Boko Haram insurgents are strategising to infiltrate planned protest in Yobe State, police said.

The spokesman of the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, stated this in a statement in Yobe, the state capital.

He said intelligence received by the command indicated that foreign mercenaries have been engaged to destroy lives and property during the protest.

Mr Abdulkarim, a deputy superintendent of police, therefore called on individuals planning to participate in the protest to exercise caution.

“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.

“While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed.

“Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion, have raised concerns.

“We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” he said, and warned that criminals trying to hide under the protest to destabilise the state would face the wrath of the law.

According to Mr Abdulkarim, for a hitch-free protest, the protesters are required to indicate proposed protest routes and assembly points.

The spokesman said they should also state expected duration of the protest, names and contact details of leaders and organizers and measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements.

“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources; designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.

“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the Police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly.

“We are committed to working with all to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order”.

(NAN)