Police: Over 25,000 security personnel deployed in Kaduna ahead of protest

The Kaduna police command says over 25,000 security personnel have been deployed to strategic flash points in the state to ensure law and order during Thursday’s “protest against hunger and bad governance”.

Mansir Hassan, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, said in a statement on Wednesday that the security personnel include police operatives, men of the armed forces, and those of other security agencies.

He added that the “massive” security deployment to flashpoints “is to ensure strict compliance with public order”.

Earlier, the security personnel, led by the police commissioner and heads of other security agencies in the state, embarked on a confidence-building patrol within the Kaduna metropolis, preparing for the protest.

Hassan said the show of force patrol was “designed to serve as a clear warning to those who may seek to use the upcoming protest to destabilise the state”.

He added that it also aimed to showcase the capabilities and readiness of security agencies to maintain peace and order.

“The primary objective of this show of force is to deter individuals with malicious intent from engaging in any form of violence during the upcoming protest,” the statement reads.

“Effective deployment of over twenty-five thousand (25000) police, armed forces, and other security personnel has been made in strategic flashpoints to ensure strict compliance with public order.

“The police will not deny citizens their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest.”