Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has cautioned groups planning a nationwide protest against economic hardship, set to commence on August 1, 2024, urging them to reconsider and abandon their plans. Egbetokun’s warning comes amidst viral social media campaigns that are gaining traction.
Addressing a meeting with Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and police commissioners from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja, Egbetokun highlighted the adverse effects of past violent protests, particularly referencing the #EndSARS movement. He noted that such protests had exacerbated crime rates and insecurity across the country.
“Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks,” Egbetokun stated. “Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.”
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Egbetokun stressed the need to prevent these demonstrations from escalating into violence or disorder. “As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences,” he said, pointing out that the #EndSARS protests had resulted in significant destruction of public assets, loss of lives, and long-lasting economic and psychological impacts.
The IGP urged citizens to reject the proposed protest, emphasizing the police’s duty to protect people and property. “Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously,” he declared. “We will not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleashed on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again.”
Egbetokun assured that measures are in place to apprehend any individuals attempting to disguise themselves as protesters to cause harm. “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and deserving Nigerians,” he concluded.
