'We did not ban Abuja protests' - Nigerian Police say

The Nigerian Police Headquarters has issued a statement saying they
didn't ban any protests in Abuja. According to a statement signed by
CSP Frank Mba, what was issued yesterday by the FCT Commissioner of
Police, Joseph Mbu was only an advisory notice and not a ban. Find the
statement below.

The Police High Command wishes to inform the general public that the
Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies/protests
anywhere in Nigeria. It notes however that against the backdrop of
current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent
intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise
innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links
with insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice, enjoining
citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the
Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful
rallies, which the Police High Command regards as the constitutional
and democratic rights of Nigerians, the Inspector-General of Police,
IGP, M D. Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc, stresses the need for the
organizers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and
guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to
avoid any unpleasant circumstances. The IGP calls on the general
public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary
sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective
responsibility.

Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their
positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the
existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our
midst by relevant security agencies.

Meanwhile, the IGP reassures citizens of the commitment of the Force
to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of
democracy in Nigeria.

CSP FRANK E. MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.