Shi’ites Plot To Disrupt Independence Day Celebration, Police Raise Alarm

…To Conduct Stop And Search In FCT — AIG Igweh

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised the alarm over plans by miscreants including members of the proscribed members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as the Shi’ites group to take to the street during Independence Day Celebration.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 7, Benneth Igweh disclosed this during a press briefing at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Monday.

The AIG noted that the command had received credible intelligence over a planned disruption by the group and other criminal elements to foment trouble within the FCT.

He said, “We have a lot of intelligence that some miscreants… including members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), want to be on the street.

“I want to say that because they have been proscribed, they do not have rights to assemble; they do not have the right of procession; they do not have rights to protest.

“We are going to readily wait for them and their groups, who may like to foment trouble of any kind.

“So tomorrow, we are going to ensure your safety. We are ready for that. We will not shy away from our responsibilities and if anybody decides to join the proscribed group, so be it.”

The senior police officer, thereafter assured residents of the FCT of the command’s readiness to provide security, particularly within the ambit of the law.

To further ensure the safety of residences, AIG Igweh revealed plans by the police to conduct “a few stop and search”, which he noted could cause traffic interceptions.

He also warned those who are not directly obligated to participate in the Independence Day celebration to stay off the street.

The FCT Police Command had earlier disclosed plans to deploy security ahead of the Independence Day Celebration to ensure the safety of residents during the Independence Day celebration.

“The deployment will include Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.

“Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square,” the police said.

The deployment is also believed to be timely, given the planned #EndHungerProtest scheduled to be held on the same day as the Independence celebration against bad governance.

The organisers of the protest which lasted for 10 days — From August 1 to 10 — planned to continue the protest on October 1, amid strong resistance from the Nigeria Police Force.

When asked if the FCT command is prepared for the October 1 #EndHungerProtest scheduled for October 1, the AIG said, the command has yet to be notified of any protest on Tuesday.

“Even if they write to our bosses. They would have intimidated us,” he said, noting that all forms of protests are expected to be conducted within the ambit of the law, and those who participate in the unlawful protest would be treated accordingly.