Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun has assured that the Nigeria Police will maintain a professional stance during the planned August 1 protest, ensuring the safety of peaceful demonstrators.
He made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja while meeting with top police officials, including commissioners of police and above, to discuss intelligence gathering and analysis for national security.
The meeting aimed to share intelligence from various police commands across the country, analyze the information, and develop strategies to ensure a secure environment for all citizens.
The police chief reiterated the force’s commitment to upholding the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order, emphasizing that the police will respond to the protest in a professional and measured manner.
“So we are prepared, and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner,” he said.
The IG said the police would remain committed to providing security for those who engaged in peaceful protests.
He stated, “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful. But we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burn down facilities in the name of protest. So, we are not against peaceful protest, we will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest.’’
He said the task of maintaining law and order during the protest would not be a challenge if the protesters engaged in peaceful protest.
According to him, it becomes a challenge if the protest is violent.
He added, “I have always said that the right to protest is the right to peaceful protest. No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”
The IG, therefore, called on Nigerian youths to ignore anyone inciting them to violent protests.
