The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has placed all police commissions across the country on red alert as the #EndBadGovernance# protest enters day 2 tomorrow.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun said the call became necessary following the outcomes of the protest on Thursday across the country particularly in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa and Niger states where they were incidences of violence.
Genuine protesters
He called on the formations to be more proactive in protecting the lives of genuine protesters and public infrastructure.
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.
Egbetokun hinted that ‘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 mobi
lizing youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country.
While some groups claiming to be mobilising 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 organisers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
This would enable 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.
The Police Chief also said while the force affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, the Police were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated
by some individuals who have shown tendencies to be disloyal to the government of the day.
‘Despite 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 observance of 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 St
adium, they trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them.
Fundamental Rights
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 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.
Groups hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilise the country should note that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty 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.
The IGP appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period.
Source :News Agency of Nigeria