Anambra Police Warn Against Unauthorized Street Protests in Awka

Anambra State Police command on show of strength in Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has cautioned residents of Awka, the state capital, against organising or participating in any form of unauthorised march or street protest.
The Command warned that it would not tolerate any protest capable of distracting the Police from their ongoing fight against cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
This warning was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, who said the directive was issued in the interest of public safety, peace, and the maintenance of public order.
According to him, the Command has recorded significant gains in its sustained fight against cultism and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, targeted arrests, and community-based policing initiatives.
SP Ikenga disclosed that two days ago, police operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle that led to the neutralisation of a confessed member of the Vikings Confraternity strike squad.
He said the suspect was allegedly on a mission to retaliate for the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group at Enugwu-Agidi.
The Command warned that unauthorised marches or street protests could undermine these security gains, disrupt public peace, obstruct lawful activities, and cause unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.
While acknowledging 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. Consequently, unauthorised marches, street occupations, or protests that obstruct traffic, disrupt commercial activities, or constitute a public nuisance will not be tolerated.
The Command further advised organisers and interest groups to adopt constructive and lawful channels of engagement, such as dialogue with relevant authorities, submission of petitions, and collaboration with appropriate stakeholders, rather than resorting to street protests that could create tension and insecurity.
SP Ikenga urged members of the public 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.
He reaffirmed that the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to proactive policing and to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents of the state.