The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned that it will deal decisively with any individual or group that uses protests as a cover to incite violence or cause public disorder.

This warning comes in the wake of a subsisting order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, issued on October 17, 2025, by Justice M.G. Umar in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others.

The court order restrains the respondents and any persons acting under their instruction from staging protests around sensitive national locations, including Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining public peace in line with constitutional provisions.

The statement called on all groups whether in support of or opposed to the ongoing agitation for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to strictly comply with the court’s directive, which remains binding and enforceable pending further judicial proceedings.

While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and expression, the Police stressed that such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Hundeyin noted that the court’s order was intended to safeguard national security and public safety, not to suppress civil freedoms.

“All intending protesters and counter-protesters are strongly advised to avoid restricted areas and refrain from acts capable of provoking confrontation or disturbing public order,” the statement read. “The Force will ensure the protection of lives and property and the free flow of traffic across the Federal Capital Territory.”

The Police warned that anyone found using protests as a pretext for violence, vandalism, or other criminal acts would face the full weight of the law.

“Any person or group that uses protests as cover to incite violence, carry offensive weapons, vandalise property, kidnap, or engage in acts likely to cause loss of life or serious injury will be dealt with decisively,” Hundeyin said. “Such offenders will be arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted under relevant criminal laws including those relating to public order and terrorism where applicable.”

He also cautioned that individuals who incite violence through social media or other online platforms would be tracked, with digital evidence used in their prosecution.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the FCT Commissioner of Police and other operational commands to ensure full enforcement of the court’s order, maintain strategic deployments across sensitive locations, and guarantee the safety of residents.

The Police urged organisers and participants to respect the law by avoiding restricted zones, refraining from provocative acts, and seeking redress through lawful means.

Hundeyin assured the public that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to protect lives and property, urging law-abiding citizens to go about their daily activities without fear.

“Anyone found in breach of the Court’s Order or in contempt of the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement concluded.