We Won’t Allow ‘Fifth Columnists’ Instigate Youth Against FG — NSCDC CG

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has said the corps will not tolerate acts of violence or damage to national assets.

Audi, in a statement by the NSCDC spokesperson, CSC Babawale Afolabi, reiterated the corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security.

He spoke in response to a proposed hardship protest scheduled between August 1 and August 10, 2024.

“The NSCDC is a Federal Government Paramilitary Agency with statutory roles and responsibilities even as we remain the lead agency in the protection of all critical national assets and infrastructure across the nation.

“Consequently, I have directed all State Commandants, Provosts of Colleges and Heads of various formations to be on red alert ensuring that the protection of all critical Infrastructure and assets are taken very seriously.

“Our commitment to the protection of lives and property of the Nigerian people is a sine qua non and we will not fold our arms and allow some fifth columnists to instigate Nigerians and its youth against the Federal Government under the pretense of staging demonstration or protests”

“Notably, the present economic hardship is not limited to Nigeria alone; it is a global phenomenon that nations of the world are facing serious and critical economic downturn including inflation and food supply shortages occasioned by climatic and environmental changes and other factors which the government in power is making concerted efforts to resolve while ameliorating the pains of the people.

“The NSCDC is a Federal Government paramilitary agency with statutory roles and responsibilities. We are the lead agency in protecting all critical national assets and infrastructure across the nation,” said Audi.

While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Audi warned that there are concerns the proposed protests could be exploited by criminals.

“While we wish to acknowledge the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to hold peaceful protests; It has been clearly proved and indicators have shown that the proposed protests may be hijacked by desperate criminals and non-state actors.

“Based on the foregoing the NSCDC and other security agencies are working in synergy to ensure that there are no breakdown of law and order, state of anarchy, pandemonium, vandalism, robbery or breach of public peace.

“The NSCDC is hereby using this medium to advise the Youths and intending protesters, Civil Society Organizations, NGO’s and CBO’s to shun all ill-motivated protests. While those clamouring for nationwide protests should be objective, civil and constructive in seeking the attention of the government through a peaceful channel,” the statement added.