SECURITY FORCES FLEX MUSCLES IN OYO STATE: ‘We’ll Guard Peaceful Protesters, But Violence Will Be Met With Force’ -CP Strongly Warns Ahead Protest

In a bold display of strength and unity, security agencies in Oyo State took to the streets of Ibadan metropolis on Tuesday, in a joint show of force aimed at sending a clear message to would-be troublemakers ahead of the planned nationwide protest.

The massive show of force, which brought together the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, and other agencies, was a clear indication of the government’s determination to maintain peace and order in the state.

According to Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi, the exercise was designed to “create awareness to members of the public on the readiness of security personnel toward the planned protest” and to ensure that the state remained peaceful.

Sonubi emphasized that while the security agencies were not opposed to peaceful protests, they would not tolerate violence. “It is not your right to coerce others to join the protest. Nobody, including the security agencies, have the right to stop peaceful protest. Our right is to protect peaceful protesters and their property. But the moment it turns violent, we have the right to lead and bring orderliness.”

The police commissioner’s warning comes on the heels of the 2020 EndSARS protest, which turned bloody, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. Sonubi urged citizens to exercise caution and reminded them that security agencies, as agents of government, would act decisively to maintain orderliness if the protest turned violent.

With tensions running high ahead of the planned protest, the show of force by security agencies in Oyo State sends a strong message that while peaceful protests will be protected, violence will not be tolerated.