CHIBOK GIRLS UPDATE: Police rescind ban on protest

UPDATE: The Force spokesman Frank Mba said, “The Police High Command wishes to inform the general public that the Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies/protests anywhere in Nigeria.” “It notes however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration […]

UPDATE:

The Force spokesman Frank Mba said, “The Police High Command wishes to inform the general public that the Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies/protests anywhere in Nigeria.”

“It notes however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens
to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs,” he added.

 

 

Mba further said, “Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful rallies, which the Police High Command regards as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians, the IGP stresses the need for the organizers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.” He explained that “the IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility. Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies.”

EARLIER

The Inspector General of Police IGP Mohamed Abubakar has reversed the ban on protest in the Abuja, issued by the FCT commissioner of police yesterday.

The Force spokesman CSP Frank Mba told journalist during a  press conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja that “the Police did not ban peaceful rallies.”

Frank Mba also said, the police had only issued an advisory notice because of security concerns based on an intelligence report that protesters may be in danger.

More details later…