The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has again warned against illegal acts, armed robbery, criminality and destruction of infrastructure during the August 1 nationwide protest.
Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
Mr Egbetokun had on Friday outlined some conditions that the organisers had to meet before embarking on the protest against the country's economic woes.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that the IGP has sought details, names and contacts of the organisers of the planned protest to keep track of their activities and also to enable the police to foil any attempt to hijack it.
Although some Nigerians and activists criticised the move, Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying that lessons from previous protests in Nigeria, including EndSARS, showed that there could be damage to property and loss of life if left unchecked.
“Where police stations were burned, criminals took control. Stolen weapons fell into the wrong hands and armed robbers took control. Women could no longer walk freely after 7 p.m.”
He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown of law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
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“There are enough lessons to be learned from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the Inspector General continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed those events. “Uncontrolled demonstrations carry grave dangers,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, damage to property and widespread fear among the population,” Egbetokun said.
Read the full statement below.
PRESS RELEASE
We cannot afford to have violent protests in Nigeria
As police chief reveals negative effects of violent protests
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, addressed the nation in view of the planned nationwide protests, stressing the serious negative effects that violent demonstrations can have on our society. In his address, the IGP highlighted several critical points that underscore the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests.
“It is not just Nigeria that is struggling. It is a global crisis. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! That is what a responsive government will do,” the IGP said. He stressed that while the current economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the government is actively working to mitigate their impact and provide relief to citizens.
Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the Inspector General of Police noted: “Where police stations were burnt, criminals took over. Stolen weapons were in the wrong hands and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it was 7pm.” He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown of law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
“There are enough lessons to be learned from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the Inspector General continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed those events. “Uncontrolled demonstrations carry grave dangers,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, damage to property and widespread fear among the population.
The Inspector General acknowledged the right to protest, saying that “the right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.” He urged all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and avoid actions that may lead to violence. Peaceful protests, he stressed, are a powerful tool to express grievances without endangering lives and property.
In conclusion, the Inspector General reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protect the rights of citizens and maintain law and order. He urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that the forthcoming protests are peaceful and orderly.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OF THE FORCE
FORCE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA
July 29, 2024