Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against the economic hardship in the country, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has disclosed that the Police have intelligence reports showing that foreign mercenaries have been recruited to hijack the protest and cause damage in the country.
Speaking in Abuja, he urged Nigerians to be wise, exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group at this point in time so as to prevent drawing the nation back.
“We have been monitoring developments surrounding protest threats. While some groups call for violent protests, emulating Kenya’s recent events, others advocate for peaceful demonstrators.
“However, some individuals are promoting peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity.
“We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.
“We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process.
“We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest. The Nigerian police urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.”
Towards ensuring that the protest is peaceful and non-destructive, Egbetokun called on groups involved and planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
His words, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information – 1, The proposed protest routes and assembly points. 2. Expected duration of the protest. 3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers and 4. Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
“By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
‘5. Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
“6. Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
“7. Minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protestors to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”
While urging the protesters to cooperate with policemen, Egbetokun said the police would be available to protect them adding, “We have done everything we need to do. We have put measures in place to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in case there is going to be any protest.
“I just gave the guidelines that protest groups, groups who intend to protest, there are guidelines for them to follow. Once they follow this guideline, we are going to have it peaceful. So my appeal to Nigerians is to remain law-abiding.
“Those who insist that they must come out to protest, please cooperate with the police. The police will be there with you and protect you.”
Asked what happens if the groups who are unknown as of today, Friday July 23, 2024 fail to follow the guidelines for the protest, IGP Egbetokun said, “If they fail to comply, with the guidelines, it means they don’t mean well for the country. We will be prepared for them”
“We don’t want the protest to take place because violent protest will result in more violent crimes and insecurity but if there must be protest, follow the guidelines.
Egbetokun recalled past protests including the Endsars protest saying, “We have had a history of violent protests and what follows violent protest is increased violent crimes
“Last one Police Stations were burnt, amouries looted and so on. In areas where these Police stations were burnt down, criminals and armed robbers took over, women could no longer come out once it is 7pm.
“600 brand new BRT buses bought to ameliorate the suffering of the people were burnt down and you say you are protesting on behalf of the masses. We have to be careful not to be misled and destroying our country. Violent protest is going to leave us worse off”
“Once more, we are issuing a stern warning to clandestine groups. We will not tolera
te the killing of any Nigerian in the guise of protest.”