Nigeria Police Force Raises Red Alert On NLC Planned Protest

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a red alert ahead of the planned nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress on February 27 and 28, 2024.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer of the NPF, the police have reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights and freedom of citizens to engage in protests.

The statement reads: “The Nigerian Police Force, on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress, hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws. As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.

“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest. All Commissioners of Police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests are held as planned.”

The NLC is protesting the government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy..

The federal government had been issued a 14-day ultimatum to implement measures to address the widespread hardship in the country. Following the expiration of the ultimatum, a decision was made.

Adejobi, in the statement, said while the police recognised the importance of the protests, it remained vigilant to prevent any attempts to hijack the protests.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the statement also called on  protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly by adhering to the principles of non-violence as well as respect for the rights of others, during the protests.