The Nigeria Police has
restated its commitment towards the protection and enforcement of the fundamental rights of the citizens, particularly their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association amongst others as enshrined in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
In a statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, the police further adds that “the Law Enforcement Agencies are duty-bound to enforce these rights” revealing that the IGP has “charged his Zonal and State Command Officers to ensure that citizens embarking on rallies and other peaceful demonstrations are provided adequate security in line with the standard operational practice of the Force”.
The IGP however called on “leaders and organizers of such rallies to work in concert with the Police to ensure the safety of participants and orderliness of the exercise. He further urged them to take measures to deter hoodlums from hijacking the assemblies”.
While calling on the citizens to provide the Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies with useful information in the fight against terror and other related crimes, the IGP reassured them that all necessary steps are being taken towards ensuring that the abducted Chibok School girls are rescued and returned to their loved ones.
The statement also noted that this development is coming “against the backdrop of the recent local and international clamour for the immediate and unconditional release of the school girls who were abducted from Chibok, Borno State, through protests and other forms of advocacy”.
