The Lagos State Police Command has intensified security operations across the state ahead of a planned #EndBadGovernance protest, spearheaded by the #TakeItBack movement. From as early as 4:00 a.m. Thursday, anti-riot officers and plain-clothed detectives were deployed to major convergence points including Agege, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Ikeja, Marina, Lekki, Ajah, Obalende, and Ikorodu, among others.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade Jimoh, stressed that while the police respect citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, any form of unrest or attempt to destabilize public peace will not be tolerated.
“The police are not against peaceful protests, but we will not fold our arms and allow disorder,” CP Jimoh said.
Strategic deployments have been made around public infrastructure, power plants, government offices, and private entities considered high-risk. The force has also set up stop-and-search points to intercept suspicious movement and has begun special raids of black spots known for criminal activity.
As of 8 a.m., the state remained calm with no protesters in sight, according to police reports.
A crucial meeting was held on Wednesday between the police command and leaders of 15 civil society organisations (CSOs) where CP Jimoh appealed to them to shelve the protest in favour of celebrating June 12 Democracy Day peacefully. While some CSOs agreed to withdraw, others insisted on proceeding with the protest but assured it would remain peaceful.
The CSOs resolved to restrict any demonstration to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, converging first at Ikeja Under-Bridge before marching peacefully to the park. They assured the police there would be no protest at any other location.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the outcome of the meeting and emphasized the command’s continued engagement with civil society leaders to prevent any threat to public peace.
“The outcome and resolutions of the meeting will be relayed to other CSO leaders to ensure widespread compliance,” Hundeyin said.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as Lagosians mark June 12, Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, commemorating the annulled 1993 presidential election widely considered the freest and fairest in the country’s history.
