Heavy security at EFCC office in Abuja over planned protest

Security measures around the offices of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja have been beefed up over a planned protest.

Some Nigerians had planned to embark on what they termed #ReformEFCC protest over recent attacks on “innocent” civilians by EFCC operatives especially during sting operations.

The Guardian observed the presence of joint security forces, including operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) both at the operational headquarters in Jabi and the zonal office located at Wuse 2 in Abuja.

An EFCC official who pleaded anonymity said the security have been directed to keep vigil around the commission to ensure that nobody protests anywhere close to the commission.

The EFCC had fingered a former governor and two ex-ministers for spearheading the protest against the agency.

The EFCC had raised alarm over a plan by a shadowy group to instigate a “protest” against the commission.

The commission Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who raised the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja disclosed that the group has been actively campaigning in the social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students to take up “arms” against the EFCC.

According to Oyewale, the campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the commission especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.

“Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.

“As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country especially around its office locations across Nigeria.

“EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.”

The Spokesman appealed to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the commission by vested corrupt interests.