Lagos Police deploy troops at strategic locations over protests

Ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest organised by the #TakeItBack movement, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed anti-riot operatives and other plain clothed detectives at strategic locations to prevent breakdown of law and order.

The police also assured residents that it would respect the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly of citizens, urging those seeking to protest to ensure it was within the ambit of the law.

The deployments which were done as early as 4am, saw the movement of troops and logistics to Agege; Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park; Abiola Gardens; Maryland; Ikeja Under bridge; Ojodu Berger; Oshodi; Allen Avenue; Obalende; Ikorodu; Ajah; State House Alausa; Marina; National Stadium; Yaba; Lekki, among others.

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According to the CP, deployments were made to cover strategic points of convergence across the state to prevent any eventuality.

He explained that the police were not against peaceful assembly but would not fold their hands if anyone or group attempted to cause disorder anywhere in Lagos.

CP Jimoh also said that all critical infrastructures including power plants, public offices and private business entities of interest have been adequately captured in the deployment and well covered.

He told The Nation that part of the security deployment was stop-and-search points at strategic locations to identify vehicles that might want to move around with incriminating items.

“We are also carrying out special raids of criminal hideouts and black spots, as well as a show of force involving joint police patrol

“All these actions are not to scare law abiding citizens but to let criminals know that security in Lagos is awake and ready to protect the state.

“As at 8am, the state was calm and no protesters have been seen at any of the locations. Citizens are going about their lawful businesses without hindrance.

“We shall continue to carry out vehicular patrols of the nooks and crannies of the state while waterway patrols by the Marine Police are also ongoing.

“I can tell you that Lagos State so far is calm and peaceful. Our meeting yesterday with the leadership of some of the CSOs was fruitful,” he said.

The fifteen (15) CSOs’ leadership that attended the meeting were Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Society Advocacy Groups), Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Right Monitor), Festus Ojotoro (Human Right Monitor), Kehinde Adeoye (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti), Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline), Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group), Lasisi Abiodun, Ibrahim Oluwatobi,  Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Agbodemu I. Musbau, CSO Lagos Mainland LGA and the representative of Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.

During the interactive meeting, CP Jimoh explained to the groups the need to shelve the protest and join Nigerians in celebrating June 12 Democracy Day.

While some of the groups in the interest of peace and security agreed to withdraw from the planned subversive protest and rejoice with the rest of the masses, others insisted they would carry on with their agitations but promised it would be peaceful.

The meeting, according to the command, was part of its pro-active measures and sensitization of the promoters of the protest on the evil associated with attempts to subvert the government.

“It was agreed that all the groups must ensure concern for public safety and security in their activities during the Democracy Day celebration. Half of the CSOs present at the meeting assured the command that they were going to celebrate with all Nigerians on the occasion of June 12 Democracy Day, while others affirmed that they will carry out the protest in an orderly manner without disturbance to public peace and safety.

“They also agreed to converge at Ikeja under-bridge simultaneously and will jointly move to Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota to carry out the protest and stated that no protest will take place anywhere in the state except the designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park. “Also, they assured the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command that the outcome of the meeting and resolutions reached will be communicated to other CSOs leadership who are not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” said spokesman CSP Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement late on Wednesday.

The meeting, it was gathered, ended at about 5:15pm with assurances from the CP that the command would continue to monitor the activity of the CSOs leadership.

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