FG strategises ahead of nationwide protests, tightens nation’s borders
- Sulaiman Umar
- 28 Jul, 2024
- 289
Bare five days to the proposed nationwide ‘End Bad Governance’ protests, the Federal Government has tightened its noose on the security system to hinder any ugly aftermaths. While admitting that it is within the ambits of the law for citizens to embark on peaceful protests, the FG via its security organs are leaving nothing to chance.
To this end, it has ordered a tight surveillance at most entry points into Nigeria, by deploying men of various agencies, perhaps in reaction to Friday’s declaration by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that plots by foreign mercenaries to hijack the protests had been uncovered.
Sunday Times learned that Kemi Nandap, Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS) revealed the new border patrol arrangement in a statement issued by the Service’s Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Kenneth Udo on Saturday in Abuja.
Nandap directed all Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) of the Service across the country to be extra vigilant.
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According to her officers and men of the service should intensify surveillance in view of the planned protest by some groups
She also said that the directive was to ensure that foreign elements do not come into the country to participate in the protests.
“In keeping with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s gateways placed on the shoulders of the Service, officers especially Heads of Border Commands, are tasked to rise to the occasion.
“This is by ensuring that no foreign element can take advantage of the protest to distabilise the country,” she said.
In the Nigeria Police Force, similar preparations have been ongoing in the past couple of days with the high command of the various formations barring their personnel from embarking on any form of leave for now. The men have equally being directed to maintain surveillance on vulcanizers on major roads.
Sunday Times gathered that at Ikeja in Lagos and environs men of the command were spotted confiscating tyres and clearing vulcanisers from the major roads. This was done to make sure that protesters do not have access to tyres to make bonfires during the protests.
Meanwhile, continuous mobilization has remained on both camps of the divided.
culled from Daily Times Nigeria