Police Warns of Boko Haram Infiltration in Upcoming Nationwide Protest

The Yobe State police command has issued a warning, stating that insurgents from Boko Haram intend to infiltrate the next August #EndBadGovernance demonstration. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command's spokesman, revealed this in a statement on Saturday, July 27.

According to the intelligence the leadership received, foreign mercenaries were hired to cause property damage and casualties at the protest. Mr. Abdulkarim urged potential protestors to proceed with prudence.

He declared: "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."

For a peaceful demonstration, Mr. Abdulkarim claims that the demonstrators must designate their intended protest routes and gathering places. According to the spokesperson, they should also include information on the protest's anticipated duration, the leaders' and organizers' identities and contact information, and safeguards against exploitation by nefarious actors.

The declaration stated, "By providing this information, we can deploy adequate personnel and resources, designate specific routes and areas, establish clear communication channels, and minimize 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."