By Damilare Adeleye
The Nigeria Police Force has directed all its formations to be on guard, alerting that there is a likelihood of #EndSARS anniversary demonstrations and protests against other issues in the country in October 2024.
A police wireless message obtained on Friday, from the Department of Operations in Abuja (DOPS), through the Nigerian Police Department of Operations to Assistant Inspector General of Police in zonal commands, air wing, maritime and state commands, is dated October 7, 2024.
The Department of Operations in Abuja is central to all police operational activities in Nigeria, especially in the areas of crime prevention and maintenance of law and order.
According to the memo, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all commissioners of police to be on guard to contend with any eventuality that may arise from the protests.
The signal reads, “Likelihood of End-SARS-nationwide-protest anniversary x there is likelihood of End-SARS-protest anniversary x on 20/10/2024 x likelihood of protests on other issues from 09/10/2024 x INGENPOL directs command COMPOLS to be on the guard to be able to contend with any eventuality that might arise as a result x all government infrastructures x police stations x important facilities like network installations x electricity generation x transmission x distribution companies x water corporations x other critical national infrastructure must be adequately protected x ensure strict compliance x treat as very important please.”
The memo alerted police commissioners in “Abakaliki, Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Asaba, Awka, Βenin, Bauchi, Birnin-Kebbi, Calabar, Damaturu, Dutse, Enugu, FCT, Gombe, Gusau, Ikeja, Ilorin, Ibadan, Jalingo, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina Lafia, Lokoja, Minna, Makurdi, Maiduguri, Osogbo, Owerri, Port-Harcourt, Sokoto, Umuahia, Uyo, Yenagoa, Yola, Inland Waterway, Airport, PAP East, West, Railway.”