“Boko Haram planning to infiltrate August protest” – Police warns

Yobe State Police Command has issued a stern warning regarding potential Boko Haram infiltration into the planned #EndBadGovernance protest set for August.

According to a statement from DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesperson, intelligence reports suggest that foreign mercenaries have been hired to disrupt the protest, posing a significant threat to lives and property.

The warning, disclosed on Saturday, July 27, emphasizes heightened security concerns in light of recent insurgent activities, including an IED explosion in Gujba Local Government Area.

DSP Abdulkarim urged would-be protesters to exercise caution, stressing that while citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the timing of the protest might be problematic given the current security climate.

“As Yobe state recovers from insurgency, the commissioner of police, CP Garba Ahmed, acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. 

“While we alert citizens to sinister motives, even peaceful protests at this time may be ill-timed. Recent insurgency activities in Gujba LGA, including an improvised explosive device explosion, have raised concerns.

“We are unprepared to face additional security challenges,” DSP Abdulkarim said.

CP Garba Ahmed, the Commissioner of Police, supports the call for caution and encourages organizers to provide detailed information about the protest.

“By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or criminal activity.

“We encourage protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly. We are committed to working with all to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order,” he added.