BREAKING NEWS : No Ban on Peaceful Rallies,But… -Police Headquarters

The Police High Command has reversed the ban on protests announced yesterdaywhen it announced today that there is indeed no ban on peaceful rallies. But the FCT Commissioner of Police,Mr Joseph Mbu announced the ban yesterday, a move that compelled the #BringBackOur Girls movement to proceed to a court on Tuesday to challenge Mbu’s order.
Frank Mba, force spokesman however on behalf of the Police High Command said today “the Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies/protests anywhere in Nigeria.
Mba said the Force “ notes however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. “
The statement continued “Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful rallies, which the Police High Command regards as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, M D. Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc, stresses the need for the organizers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.
“The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.
The Force Headquarters said “Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies.
The IGP reassured citizens of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of democracy in Nigeria.