NSCDC deploys 1190 personnel for protest, 350 for Monday sit-at-home in Anambra

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

In her bid to ensure safety of lives and property during the nationwide “Endbad governance in Nigeria,” protest, billed to last for 10 days, 1st to 10th August 2024, the Anambra  State Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, says it has deployed 1190 personnel in readiness and 350 for Monday sit-at-home exercise.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Maku Olatunde, made this disclosure in Awka after a meeting with other service commanders adding that the command remains committed and unrelenting in maintaining law and order before, during, and after the planned protest. 

“While 350 personnel are for the Anti-sit at home order operations on Monday, 840 personnel are to resist all forms of violent protests and lawlessness, as well as prevent vandalization of Critical National Assets and infrastructure.

“In line with a marching order given to us by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to stand firm on our core mandate as the lead agency statutorily responsible for protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, the Command will not remain passive or indifferent in the face of violent activities that threaten to disrupt the peaceful co-existence of all Anambra residents or destroy our National Critical Assets & Infrastructure 

“Instead, we will take proactive measures to prevent and counteract such actions, ensuring the safety and security of Anambra citizens and the protection of such  critical assets” he said.

Acknowledging the rights of citizens to protest, the NSCDC State helmsman however called on the organizers of the protest to operate within the ambit of the law.

“Individuals contemplating illegal acts during the protest, such as tampering with government assets or infrastructure will face severe legal consequences. The public is reminded that these actions are considered serious offenses.

“Additionally, disrupting social and economic activities in the state, particularly at strategic facilities like airports and hospitals, and hindering essential service providers from carrying out their duties, is strictly prohibited,” he stated.

In a press release by the state Public Relations Officer, Okadigbo Edwin, the commandant vowed that those who ignore these warnings will be held accountable and face the full force of the law.