In anticipation of the proposed nationwide protest, security operatives are on high alert across the nation’s capital to maintain law and order.

Security presence has intensified in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with operatives conducting stop-and-search operations on vehicles entering Abuja.

Police and military officers were visible in major areas, jointly checking vehicular movements into the capital city.

On Monday, it was reported that military and police personnel had set up roadblocks on the Abuja-Keffi road, particularly in the Kugbo area, and on the Abuja-Lokoja road. These roadblocks caused significant delays in the affected areas.

Residents of Kubwa, Dutse Alhaji, Maraba, and Bwari observed an unusually high number of security vehicles patrolling their neighborhoods.

The security agencies have not yet provided reasons for the increased presence of operatives and roadblocks.

Recall that the FCT Police Command of have deployed 4,200 of its personnel to protect the protest from being hijacked by criminals.

The Nation had reported last Friday how a statement issued to reporters by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, quoted the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh as saying: “The proactive deployment, which is aimed at ensuring public safety, protection of protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors, is characterised by visibility policing, the deployment of explosive ordinance devices (EOD) experts and personnel at various strategic locations, raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, stop and search, vehicular and foot patrol and synergy with sister security agencies”.

A top police officer told our correspondent that they have been given a matching order to prevent crisis.

The senior Police officer who pleaded anonymity said the Inspector – General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has mapped out strategic plans to forestall the protest.

He said the matching order was given during the emergency meeting held in Abuja last week between the number one police boss and other top police chiefs.

The source said part of the deliberations was that the Force should not be caught napping before the said date.

He said the Force is fully prepared to face the situation with the deployment of manpower and equipment.

“Even if they embark on the protest before the scheduled date, the Force is ready for them. Though the IGP has pleaded with the unknown protesters to shelve the protest and that Nigerian should ignore the call. We are not leaving anything to chance as the IGP has mapped out strategies on what to do.

“I will not disclose further on major plans but be rest assured that we will not be caught napping. All we want is peace but the police will not tolerate breakdown of law and order. You are aware that heads of formations and the Commissioners of Police were part of the meeting with the IGP. We are battle ready”, he added.

Recall, Egbetokun, on Tuesday openly said the police would respond to the 1 August planned protest by some Nigerians “in a most professional manner”.

He said: “No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”

The IGP called on Nigerian youths to ignore anyone inciting them to violent protests. (The Nation)

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