The Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has warned individuals and groups to refrain from organizing or participating in any form of march, street protest, or unlawful gatherings within Awka, the State capital, in the interest of maintaining public safety, peace, and order.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s Spokesman cautions in an official statement that unauthorized marches or protests have the potential to compromise security, disrupt public peace, impede lawful activities, and cause undue inconvenience to citizens who adhere to the law.
He however recommended that organizers and interest groups planning protests should consider pursuing constructive and lawful avenues of engagement. These avenues include engaging in dialogue with relevant authorities, submitting petitions, and collaborating with appropriate stakeholders, rather than resorting to occupying the streets and creating tension.
“The Anambra State Police Command advised individuals and groups to desist from organising or participating in any form of march or street protest within Awka, the State capital, in the interest of public safety, peace, and public order.
“The Command notes that significant gains have been recorded in the ongoing fight against cultism and other violent crimes through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, arrests, and community-based policing initiatives.
“Notably, two days ago, police operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle that led to the neutralisation of a confessed member of the Vikings Confraternity’s strike squad, who was reportedly on a mission to retaliate for the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group at Enugwu Agidi.
“The Command cautions that unauthorised marches or protests could undermine these gains and are capable of disrupting public peace, obstructing lawful activities, and causing unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.”
“Accordingly, unauthorised marches, street occupations, or protests that obstruct traffic, disrupt commercial activities, or constitute a public nuisance will not be tolerated.
“The Command further advises organisers and interest groups to explore constructive and lawful channels of engagement, including dialogue with relevant authorities, submission of petitions, and collaboration with appropriate stakeholders, rather than occupying the streets and creating tension.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements or actions capable of breaching public peace to the nearest police formation,” Ikenga added
