The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says it has deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the territory, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1 Independence Day celebration.
Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the command in a statement on Monday, said the deployments were made to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.
She added that the deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.
The statement reads in part, “The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1st Independence Day celebration, has strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the FCT.
“These proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration. The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.
“Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square. While celebrating Independence Day, residents of the FCT are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.”
Meanwhile, the #FearlessInOctober protests are set to kick off on October 1, 2024, and will continue until the protesters’ demands are met.
Organizers have announced the convergence venues and times for the nationwide event, which aims to shine a light on pressing issues like hunger and economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The convergence points include Abuja: Eagle Square at 7.00 am; Lagos: Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am; Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan at 8.00 am; Rivers State: Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt at 7:30 am; Borno: Arewa Youth For Peace Office, Damaturu Road at 8:00 am; Yobe: Damaturu Main Roundabout, opposite Old Motor Park to Maiduguri Road at 8:00 am and Kwara: Ilorin Post Office Under-bridge at 8:00 am.
The Take It Back Movement shared these details on its X handle, urging participants to gather at the designated times and locations.
This protest is a continuation of the sentiments of the #EndBadGovernance protests of August 1 -10, which also sought to address economic hardship in Nigeria and other issues.