The Anambra State Police Command has warned against any form of protest in the state as a result of naira and petrol scarcity rocking the country.
Some youths in the state have threatened a showdown with banks and petrol stations over the scarcity of petrol and the naira.
But the police, in a statement signed by its spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Wednesday, described the protesters as “mischief makers” and warned them to desist from any protest, adding that the command would ensure the optimal deployment of human and operational resources towards guaranteeing safety and security in the state.
The state police command said it had “uncovered plans by some groups of persons to take advantage of the new naira notes scarcity to unleash violence in some parts of the state,” noting that the scarcity was “not peculiar to Anambra State,” adding that “the Federal Government is doing everything possible to address the situation.”
“The command hereby warns these groups/persons to shelve their planned violence or have the full weight of the law to contend with. The police, in conjunction with other security agencies, have embarked on confidence-building patrols and ensure the optimal deployment of human and operational resources towards guaranteeing safety and security in the state,” it said.
“The Command, therefore, enjoined Anambrians and residents alike not to panic and urge the law-abiding residents/visitors of the state to go about their lawful duties without any fear of harassment or intimidation. In the event to request security services call us on 07039194332 or PRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘NPF rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively,” it added.