Protest: Police deploy officers to flashpoints in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents that the state remains peaceful and secure despite reports of protests in parts of the country.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance on Monday in Ikeja during a “Show of Force” exercise organized to demonstrate the command’s preparedness to maintain peace and order across Lagos.

Jimoh explained that the operation was designed to reassure the public of their safety and deter potential troublemakers from disrupting public peace.

According to him, strategic deployments have been made to key areas previously identified as protest flashpoints, including the Lekki Toll Gate, Ojota, Maryland, and Gani Fawehinmi Park, among others.

“We want residents to know that they are safe and can go about their lawful businesses without fear,” the police chief said.

“We have made adequate deployments to all known gathering points used by protesters in the past.”

Jimoh stressed that while peaceful protests are allowed, the police would not tolerate any act that threatens public order or infringes on the rights of others.

“Protests are legitimate everywhere in the world, but once it turns violent or disrupts the peace, it becomes a criminal act,” he warned.

“We will not allow anyone to disturb the peace of law-abiding citizens.”

He added that all police formations across the state have been directed to submit situation reports every 15 minutes to ensure real-time monitoring of events.

Jimoh noted that, as of the time of his briefing, there were no reports of unrest, traffic disruption, or violence in any part of the state.

He confirmed that areas such as Lekki, Ojota, and Maryland remained calm, with officers maintaining visible presence.

“Lagos is safe, peaceful, and free of any form of protest.

“We will continue to patrol and monitor all areas to sustain the peace residents are enjoying,” he said.

Earlier, there was clashes between security operatives and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters in parts of the country after police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The nationwide protest, organized by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and supported by several opposition parties, calls for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release.

Kanu is currently facing charges of terrorism, treason, and incitement.

The Federal Government accuses him of promoting Biafra’s secession through inflammatory statements on social media and Radio Biafra broadcasts.