The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has placed all police commissions nationwide on red alert as the #EndBadGovernance# continues, to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun said it became necessary following the outcome of Thursday’s protest across the country particularly in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Niger states where they were incidences of violence.
He called on the formations to be more proactive in protecting the lives of genuine protesters and public infrastructures.
The IGP also underscored the need for the officers to be more professional in discharging their responsibilities particularly now that citizens are expressing their anger through protest.
‘Recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing youths for vio
lent protests with the intent to create anarchy in the country.
‘While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest.
‘On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time.
‘Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
‘This would have enabled the police provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest. This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.’
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The Police Chief also expressed worry about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
‘De
spite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged.
‘Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for the observance of the same.
‘Regrettably, events in some major cities showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
‘Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it.’
IGP Egbetokun added that Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.
‘In spite of the refusal of the protesters, for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the National Stadium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them.
‘At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order.
‘The Police alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers.
‘In Lagos, the EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device (IED).
‘Nigeria Police advised law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.’
The IGP warned groups who are hiding under the guise of protest to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
‘The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.’
Egbetokun appealed to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police a
nd other security agencies during this period.
Source :News Agency of Nigeria