Protest: NSCDC deploys 5,000 personnel in FCT

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has deployed 5,000 personnel to protect all Critical Infrastructure during the proposed Aug.1 protest.

NSCDC FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this while addressing Senior Officers on Tuesday at the Command’s Headquarters.

Odumosu said that the deployed officers are to be strategically positioned at all nooks and crannies of the FCT, including Area Councils.

“Our job is to provide robust security before, during and after the protests for all residents, visitors and Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI) in the FCT.

“24-hours surveillance of assets is a top priority and the Corps’ operational guidelines must be followed to the latter to bring perpetrators to book,” he said.

According to him, the NSCDC Commandant-General (CG), Ahmed Audi, has banned the use of live ammunition on any protester.

He said that any officer who acts in defiance of this order would face a severe penalty.

READ ALSO: Presidency inaugurates Abuja Citizens Assembly

“You must develop an emotional shock absorber against provocation and unnecessary confrontations by protesters.

“Be tactful, polite and diplomatic in your engagement, your duty is to ensure and maintain a peaceful protest.

“As a Command, therefore, we are committed to ensuring that law abiding residents of Abuja move about their legitimate business without fear of being attacked, intimidated or molested by the protesters,” he said

The Commandant, however, said that although every citizen has the right to a peaceful protest, such protests must be done without the breakdown of law and order.