Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has issued a nationwide alert to all police commands as the #EndBadGovernanceProtest enters its second day on Friday, August 2, 2024. The heightened alert follows reports of violence in several states, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Nasarawa, and Niger, during the first day of protests.
In a press briefing in Abuja, IGP Egbetokun emphasized the need for police formations to be proactive in protecting both the lives of genuine protesters and public infrastructure. He stressed the importance of professionalism among officers, particularly as citizens exercise their right to protest.
The IGP noted that, despite numerous warnings and intelligence reports indicating that some groups were preparing for violent protests, the police had maintained a stance of good faith. “We had actionable intelligence suggesting that certain groups were mobilizing youths with violent intentions, aiming to create anarchy,” Egbetokun said. He added that while some groups claimed to be organizing peaceful protests, their actions suggested otherwise, prompting the police to advise staging protests in confined locations to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.
Egbetokun further revealed that the police had made efforts to secure strategic locations and enforce court orders related to protest zones. However, he expressed regret that some protests had devolved into mass uprisings and looting, with key organizers absent from the frontlines.
The IGP also highlighted recent security incidents, including the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) in Lagos. The explosive device, found on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, was rendered safe by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Addressing concerns about potential terrorist infiltration, Egbetokun urged citizens to heed security warnings and cooperate with law enforcement. He emphasized that the police are prepared to respond appropriately and will seek assistance from other security agencies if necessary.
“While we respect the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views, we also remind groups that the same Constitution mandates them to obey the laws and respect the rights of others,” Egbetokun concluded. He called for calm and cooperation from all citizens during this challenging period.