The Imo State Police Command in synergy with other security agencies has deployed water-tight security across the nooks and crannies of the State to prevent any form of security breach ahead of the unlawful and deleterious three-day sit-at-home order by the proscribed
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
In a statement on Saturday, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Okoye Henry
noted that the unlawful order is targeted at destabilizing the peace and socio-economic activities in the State as well as the planned nationwide protest scheduled from 1-10th August, 2024, across the country.
Accordingly, security operatives drawn from the Police, Armed Forces, and other security agencies have been strategically deployed and tasked to carry out a 15-day show of force and confidence-building patrol across the 27 LGAs of the State to ensure public safety and deter miscreants from causing any break down of law and order.
Detectives of the State Intelligence Department have also been deployed on covert intelligence gathering to monitor the threats surrounding the planned mass demonstration.
The massive deployment of security operatives is not meant to intimidate the civil populace but to reassure them that the security agencies in the State are working harmoniously to ensure public safety and as well strengthen public confidence in going about their lawful businesses without any fear or intimidation.
Addressing the operatives before the confidence-building patrol, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, the Honourable Commissioner, Imo State Homeland Security, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs all tasked the operatives to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights of citizens while ensuring public safety.
The Commissioner of Police acknowledged that citizens have the right to embark on peaceful protest in any democratic society but warned that violent protest is criminal and capable of leading to the destruction of lives and properties. He, however, assured that the Command has deployed stringent security measures to prevent any form of civil unrest.
To this end, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while ensuring their maximum safety. He urged ‘Ndi Imo’ to be security conscious and swiftly report any suspicious person seen or activity observed within their vicinity to the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.