The Anambra State Police Command has warned residents and groups to refrain from organising or participating in marches, street protests, or any unlawful gatherings in Awka, the state capital, to safeguard public safety, peace, and order.
In a statement on Friday, the command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, emphasised that unauthorised protests could disrupt public peace, obstruct lawful activities, and cause inconvenience to citizens.
“The Anambra State Police Command advised individuals and groups to desist from organising or participating in any form of march or street protest within Awka, the State capital, in the interest of public safety, peace, and public order.
“The Command notes that significant gains have been recorded in the ongoing fight against cultism and other violent crimes through sustained intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, arrests, and community-based policing initiatives,” Ikenga said.
He highlighted a recent operation in which police operatives engaged a Vikings Confraternity member in a gun battle after he planned to retaliate for the killing of a rival cult member at Enugwu Agidi.
“Notably, two days ago, police operatives engaged in a fierce gun battle that led to the neutralisation of a confessed member of the Vikings Confraternity’s strike squad, who was reportedly on a mission to retaliate for the killing of one of their members by a rival cult group at Enugwu Agidi.
“The Command cautions that unauthorised marches or protests could undermine these gains and are capable of disrupting public peace, obstructing lawful activities, and causing unnecessary inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.”
While acknowledging citizens’ constitutional rights to assembly and expression, the Police stressed that these rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law.
“Accordingly, unauthorised marches, street occupations, or protests that obstruct traffic, disrupt commercial activities, or constitute a public nuisance will not be tolerated. The Command further advises organisers and interest groups to explore constructive and lawful channels of engagement, including dialogue with relevant authorities, submission of petitions, and collaboration with appropriate stakeholders, rather than occupying the streets and creating tension,” Ikenga added.
The command urged the public to remain calm, continue with their lawful activities, and report any suspicious actions to the nearest police formation. SP Ikenga also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing for the safety of all residents.
The warning follows an earlier directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, in August 2025, instructing a clampdown on unlawful gatherings after intelligence suggested that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa might attempt activities that could spark public disorder.
Hoteliers, lounge operators, and studio apartment owners were also warned against allowing their premises to host such assemblies.
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