Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Olukayode Egbetokun has assured that the Nigeria Police will handle the planned protest on August 1 in a highly professional manner. Speaking at a meeting in Abuja with Strategic Police Managers, including officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above, Egbetokun emphasized the police’s readiness to manage the protest while maintaining security across the country.
Egbetokun stated that the meeting was convened to share and analyze intelligence from various Police Commands to ensure the country’s security. He affirmed the police’s commitment to protecting peaceful protesters, saying, “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful.”
However, Egbetokun warned against violent protests, asserting that the police have a duty to protect lives and property and will not allow any destruction in the name of protest. “We will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest,” he said.
The I-G reiterated that while peaceful protest is a right, violent protest is criminal. He urged Nigerian youths to ignore calls for violent protests and to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
