By Vincent Ujumadu

The Anambra State Police Command has called on residents to disregard calls for protests against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) following the recent closure of the Head Bridge drug market in Onitsha.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police warned that certain individuals, masquerading as human rights activists, were using social media to incite the public against government institutions, including NAFDAC, the Police, and other security agencies.

SP Ikenga explained that NAFDAC’s action was in line with Federal Government directives to rid the country’s open drug markets of unregistered, expired, banned, substandard, falsified, and illicit drugs, including diverted donated drugs and controlled substances. Anambra was among the targeted states for enforcement.

He noted that while the police acknowledged the concerns of affected traders and have forwarded their complaints to the appropriate authorities, intelligence reports indicate that the planned protests could be hijacked by criminal elements to destabilize public peace.

“The state Police Command, after a critical threat analysis based on intelligence reports, warns that the intended protest could escalate and be used by criminals to wreak havoc,” Ikenga stated.

The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of all residents but emphasized that no individual or group would be allowed to violate the rights of others or disturb public order.

Further discussions between the police and market leaders revealed that the protest was being fueled by certain individuals within the market, with the leadership distancing itself from the plans. The market leaders have pledged to cooperate with relevant agencies to identify and sanction any defaulters.

The Police urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, and to avoid any actions that may disrupt peace and security in the state.