The Anambra State Police Command has warned individuals and groups to desist from organising or participating in any form of march or street protest or unlawful gatherings within Awka, the State capital, in the interest of public safety, peace, and public order.
In a press statement on Friday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command cautions that unauthorised marches or protests could undermine security and capable of disrupting public peace, obstructing lawful activities, and causing unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.
Ikenga, however, advised organisers and interest groups planning protests to explore constructive and lawful channels of engagement, including dialogue with relevant authorities, submission of petitions, and collaboration with appropriate stakeholders, rather than occupying the streets and creating tension.
The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command advised individuals and groups to desist from organising or participating in any form of march or street protest within Awka, the State capital, in the interest of public safety, peace, and public order.
“The Command notes that significant gains have been recorded in the ongoing fight against cultism and other violent crimes through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, arrests, and community-based policing initiatives.
“Notably, two days ago, police operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle that led to the neutralisation of a confessed member of the Vikings Confraternity’s strike squad, who was reportedly on a mission to retaliate for the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group at Enugwu Agidi.
“The Command cautions that unauthorised marches or protests could undermine these gains and are capable of disrupting public peace, obstructing lawful activities, and causing unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.”
While recognising the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful assembly and freedom of expression, the Police emphasised that such rights must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law.
“Accordingly, unauthorised marches, street occupations, or protests that obstruct traffic, disrupt commercial activities, or constitute a public nuisance will not be tolerated.
“The Command further advises organisers and interest groups to explore constructive and lawful channels of engagement, including dialogue with relevant authorities, submission of petitions, and collaboration with appropriate stakeholders, rather than occupying the streets and creating tension.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements or actions capable of breaching public peace to the nearest police formation,” Ikenga added.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment towards acting proactively to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
The order is coming on the heels of intelligence reports gathered through security-led policing and community-based information, which indicated that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may attempt to carry out activities that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and possible reprisals against rival groups.
The CP in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga also issued a stern warning to hoteliers, lounge operators, and owners of studio apartments against allowing their facilities to be used for such assemblies.