The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed receiving credible intelligence on a planned protest scheduled to take place in Lokoja on the 27th of this month.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, disclosed this in a statement, noting that while the command respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, such rights must be exercised within the ambit of the law.
The statement added that the command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has advised all individuals and groups intending to participate in the protest to report to the command headquarters in Lokoja for proper identification and engagement.
According to the police, the measure is aimed at identifying genuine organisers and participants, preventing the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements, and enabling adequate security planning for a peaceful exercise.
Read Also:
Kano Declares Second Term Holiday for Schools
The command further directed organisers to provide details of the protest, including the proposed route, duration, and nature of activities, to facilitate effective security deployment.
It warned that any protest that degenerates into violence, unlawful assembly, or obstruction of public highways would not be tolerated, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police urged stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Residents were also advised to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.