The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports that its officials attacked protesters at the Utako Market in Abuja today.

In a press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command labelled the reports as "false and misleading."

According to the statement, police operatives were deployed to the scene based on intelligence reports suggesting that some miscreants were attempting to use the protests as a cover to loot shops in the market. The officers’ actions, the command stressed, were proactive measures aimed at protecting traders and preventing criminal activities, not to disrupt lawful protests.

"As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening," the statement read.

The police urged the public to disregard any misleading information and reassured citizens that their rights to peaceful protest are protected. The command also reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring the protection of lives and property during civil demonstrations.

This response follows reports circulating on social media, which claimed that the police had unjustly attacked peaceful protesters, sparking public concern.

SP Josephine Adeh further emphasized that the FCT Police Command remains focused on ensuring the safety of all residents and will continue to carry out its duties responsibly