The Anambra State Police Command has issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to ignore 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 released by Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga, authorities revealed that certain individuals posing as human rights activists have been using social media platforms to incite the public against government institutions, including NAFDAC, the Police, and other security agencies.

According to Ikenga, NAFDAC's closure of the market aligns with Federal Government directives aimed at eliminating unregistered, expired, banned, substandard, falsified, and illicit drugs from open drug markets across the country. This initiative also targets diverted donated drugs and controlled substances.

"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.

While acknowledging the concerns of affected traders, the police spokesperson confirmed that their complaints have been forwarded to the appropriate authorities. However, intelligence reports indicate that criminal elements could potentially hijack the planned protests to destabilize public peace.

The Command emphasized its commitment to protecting the rights of all residents but made it clear that no individual or group would be permitted to violate others' rights or disturb public order.

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

The police have urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, avoiding any actions that might disrupt peace and security in the state.