The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents that the state remains calm and secure despite reports of protests in parts of the country demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Addressing journalists during a “Show of Force” operation in Ikeja on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, said the exercise was aimed at demonstrating the command’s readiness to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Jimoh said the police had carried out “strategic deployments” to major flashpoints across the city — including Lekki Toll Gate, Ojota, Maryland, Gani Fawehinmi Park, and other sensitive areas — to forestall any disruption.
“We want residents to know that they are safe and can go about their lawful businesses without fear,” Jimoh said.
“We have made proper deployments to all identifiable points where protesters used to gather in the past.”
The commissioner explained that the “Show of Force” was a proactive security measure designed to deter criminal elements who might exploit the protests to cause chaos.
“Protests are allowed anywhere in the world, but when individuals begin to disrupt public peace and take the law into their own hands, that ceases to be a protest,” Jimoh warned. “We will not allow anyone to infringe on the rights of others going about their normal activities.”
According to him, all police divisions and area commands in the state had been instructed to submit situation reports every 15 minutes to ensure real-time monitoring and coordination.
He added that there had been no reports of unrest, traffic disruption, or violence in any part of Lagos as of Monday afternoon, confirming that areas such as Lekki, Ojota, and Maryland remained peaceful.
“Lagos is safe, peaceful, and free of any form of protest. We will continue to patrol and monitor all areas to sustain the peace residents are enjoying,” the police chief assured.
Earlier, reports emerged of confrontations between security forces and demonstrators in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally, where protesters were dispersed with tear gas. The nationwide movement, convened by rights activist Omoyele Sowore, has gained support from opposition figures and civil society groups calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.
Kanu, who faces charges including terrorism and treason, has been in detention since his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021. The Federal Government accuses him of promoting secessionist activities and using inflammatory rhetoric through Radio Biafra and social media platforms.
As protests spread to major cities, police authorities across Nigeria say they are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent violence while safeguarding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
