• organizers urged to ensure peaceful protests
• police warn against criminal activities
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has warned that it will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group that attempts to hijack the planned Take It Back Movement protests to wreak havoc on innocent citizens and properties.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun made the warning on Wednesday, as the Police prepare for the protests scheduled to take place across the country.
The Police have expressed concerns that the protests may be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to violence and destruction of property. They have called on the organizers to provide crucial information about their events, in order to prevent such scenarios and ensure a peaceful environment for all.
The Police are urging the public to be aware of the situation and to cooperate with them in maintaining peace and order. They have assured citizens that they will do everything possible to ensure their safety and security during the protests.
The Take It Back Movement protests are scheduled to take place on [date] across the country. The Police are advising motorists and commuters to avoid areas where the protests are taking place, and to follow all instructions from security personnel.
“We will not fold our arms and watch as hoodlums take advantage of the protests to wreak havoc on innocent citizens and properties,” Egbetokun warned. “The Police are not against protests, but we need to ensure that they are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. We urge the organizers to provide us with the necessary information so that we can work together to ensure a safe environment for all. We are committed to protecting the rights of citizens to protest, but we will not tolerate any act of violence or criminality. We urge the public to be aware of the situation and to cooperate with us in maintaining peace and order.”
Read the full statement:
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE ON THE PROPOSED PROTEST PLANNED BY THE TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT
Further to the earlier statement made in respect of the proposed/ planned country-wide protest by the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, particularly, to the effect that while the Nigeria Police Force recognizes that protest by any group of citizens in a democracy can be organized, subject to compliance with rules and regulations, decency, respect for rule of law, as well as respect for the right of other citizens to move freely and carry out their normal duties and business without any threat or inhibition. The Nigeria Police hereby wishes to bring the attention of the general public to the following:
2. The Nigeria Police Force has in the last few days engaged with the leadership of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT and also through their accredited solicitors, and made it clear that in line with what operates in any civilized climes, they should submit to the respective State Commissioners of Police where they intend to carry out their protests, including the FCT, the venue/ route of their assembly, congregation or procession; the commencement and closing time during the day, the modus operandi of the protests and all other information necessary to guide the Police, as well as other members of the public, who are equally entitled to their constitutional right of movement. This is a necessary measure in the interest of the organizers and those who may want to participate in the protest, as the Nigeria Police Force equally owes them a duty of protection.
3. While liaising with the Police Commissioners in the respect States, an undertaking has to be given or entered that the organisers shall be in a position to control, guide and manage any congregation or assembly that comes up for the protest so that the protests are not hijacked by unscrupulous elements who may want to hide under the guise of the protest to unleash terror or perpetrate mayhem on the innocent public, we are also concerned particularly, that there shall be no loss of lives or destruction of property, private or public.
4. Regrettably, the organizers of the proposed protest have not deemed it necessary to supply the simple and basic information required by the Police, under the Constitution, the Police Act and all other enabling Laws in this regard. To this extent, the Nigeria Police still demands from the organizers of the proposed protest that they furnish it with the said essential information/ details mentioned above before the commencement of the protest.
5. Intelligence at the disposal of the Nigeria Police reveals that the protests are practically aimed at unleashing mayhem on the polity, innocent citizens’ markers, stores, private and public properties, as well as critical infrastructure of government across the country. The name given to the movement -“TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT” has far-reaching undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal connotations.
6. In the above circumstances, no responsible Law enforcement agency in any part of the civilized or democratic world would fold its arms and watch a degeneration of the situation. Accordingly, therefore, all police formations across the country are hereby put on alert and directed to protect innocent lives and properties from attack, harassment, molestation or destruction. Furthermore, pursuant to the essential duties of the Nigeria Police under the Constitution, the Police Act and other enabling Laws, all officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen, threat to lives and properties, breach of public peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country. Perpetrators of any crime will be arrested and promptly prosecuted.
7. The attention of the general public is also drawn to the important statement, and orders for every Nigerian guided, guarded and properly advised.
Signed
Kayode AdeoluEgbetokun, PhD NPM Inspector General of Police
31st July, 2024
