The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has condemned the invasion of its National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday by individuals alleged to be anti-government protesters.
According to the Corps’ National Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Afolabi Babawale, over 50 protesters stormed the entrance of the headquarters in the morning, chanting various protest songs. He described the act as “totally condemnable.”
Babawale said the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Audi, had earlier issued a red alert to all commands and formations, warning them to be vigilant over planned protests slated for October 20 in support of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The alert, he noted, emphasized the need to strengthen the security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“Our formations and commands have been placed on high alert to prevent any form of vandalism or attack by hoodlums who might attempt to hijack the protest,” Babawale stated. “Both undercover and uniformed officers have been deployed across the states and the FCT to ensure the safety of lives and property, as the protest has been barred by the court.”
He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to fulfilling its statutory mandate of safeguarding national assets, managing disasters, supervising private guard companies, and protecting farmers and crops to promote food security.
“The NSCDC will not succumb to threats, vandalism, or any attempt to disrupt peace or attack its operatives,” Babawale stressed, adding that those arrested in connection with the invasion would face the full weight of the law.
He also urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Corps to ensure the protection of the nation’s critical infrastructure and maintain public order.
