Hunger protest: NSCDC deploys 2,000 personnel to tackle vandals in Enugu

By Chinelo Kodilichukwu, Enugu

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed over 2,000 “action-ready” personnel across the state to prevent activities of vandals and attackers of critical national assets and infrastructure.

The Commandant of NSCDC Enugu Command, Commander Cyprian Otoibhi, disclosed this on Wednesday in Enugu while briefing newsmen on proactive steps taken by the command ahead of the planned nationwide protest(s).

It would be recalled that the organisers of the national hunger protest(s) had earmarked between August 1 and August 10 for protests in all parts of the country including Enugu State.

Otoibhi said the proactive deployment was to maintain vigilance, gather intelligence, and ensure a rapid response to any security threats before, during and after the protest(s).

The commander said that he had directed Area Commanders, Divisional and Supervisory Officers to take full responsibility for the security of assets within jurisdiction and ensure no breakdown of law and order.

According to him, the Command emphasis the importance of proactive measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order and to ensure a coordinated response to security challenges.

“Therefore, I have ordered the deployment of about 2,000 action-ready officers and men, both uniformed and plainclothes, to all nooks and crannies of the state.

“I have also directed all personnel under the command to ensure that the protest(s) will not be hijacked by miscreants and mischief makers who intend to cause chaos in the nation,” he said.

He noted that “the safety of protesters is paramount and I urge all participants to remain peaceful and law-abiding.”

“I passionately appeal to protest organizers to consider seeking alternative lawful methods to express their grievances.

“I am cautioning against the involvement of miscreants, hoodlums, and other disruptive elements, whose contribution to the protest would be counterproductive.

“I assure the good citizens of the state that all necessary and lawful measures will be employed to maintain peace and order, thereby ensuring a safe and secure environment for all law-abiding citizens,” he said.