The Lagos State Police Command today deployed a heavy security presence across major public gathering points in the state, including Ikeja Under Bridge and the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, ahead of planned June 12 Democracy Day demonstrations.
Security personnel drawn from conventional police units, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Tactical Squad, Strike Force, and other formations were stationed at strategic locations from the early hours of the day to maintain public order and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
At the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, police officers and operational vehicles were deployed as early as 5 a.m., while additional teams were positioned across Ikeja, Alausa, and adjoining areas as part of a coordinated security operation.
The deployment followed intelligence reports indicating plans by various groups to stage demonstrations over economic hardship and insecurity, alongside activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day anniversary.
Despite concerns over possible disruptions, the state remained largely peaceful throughout the morning, with no incidents of violence reported.
By midday, one of the groups participating in the June 12 activities arrived at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park under tight security.
The demonstrators, who arrived in several buses accompanied by a mobile music truck, were dressed in white T-shirts and green face caps bearing the inscription: “June 12: Better Days Ahead for Nigeria.”
The group, numbering in the hundreds, assembled peacefully at the venue while security operatives maintained a visible presence around the park.
Meanwhile, another group protesting economic hardship and insecurity was prevented by security personnel from moving from the Ojota Bus Stop to the Freedom Park in an effort to avoid any possible confrontation between the different groups.
While access to the park was restricted, some members of the protest group continued their demonstration along Ikorodu Road, displaying placards and banners conveying their grievances over the country’s economic challenges and security situation.
The police maintained a neutral posture throughout the activities, providing security coverage for all groups while ensuring that public order was preserved.
As of the time of filing this report, the atmosphere around Ojota and other monitored locations remained calm, with security agencies continuing surveillance and crowd-management operations across the state.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo