The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said it deployed adequate security personnel across strategic locations in the state to ensure a peaceful protest by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
The protest, which formed part of a nationwide demonstration, was organised to demand the immediate release of abducted teachers, students and other victims of kidnapping across the country.
The demonstration followed the abduction of no fewer than 40 pupils and seven teachers by armed men on May 15 from schools in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso.
Speaking on the exercise, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said tactical units were deployed along the protest routes to provide security and maintain public order.
According to her, the protest commenced before 9:00 a.m. at Ikeja Under Bridge, moved through Allen Junction and ended at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa without any security breach.
Adebisi noted that the protesters conducted themselves peacefully and adhered to the approved route as well as directives issued by security agencies.
“Upon arrival at the State House of Assembly, the protesters were received and addressed by the Speaker. After the engagement, they dispersed peacefully,” she said.
She explained that police officers provided continuous security coverage and escorted the protesters throughout the exercise to safeguard lives and property and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The spokesperson disclosed that the deployment involved personnel from the Ikeja and Alausa Police Divisions, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Lagos State Taskforce, the Eko Strike Force and other tactical units.
She added that the coordinated efforts of the various security agencies ensured a hitch-free protest, with no incidents recorded.
Adebisi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting citizens while upholding their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, noting that effective synergy among the deployed units contributed significantly to the successful conduct of the protest.
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