Nigeria Police to Respond Professionally to Planned Protest on August 1
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has assured that the Nigeria Police will respond to the planned protest by some Nigerians on August 1 in a highly professional manner.
Egbetokun made this statement on Tuesday during a meeting in Abuja with Strategic Police Managers, which included officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.
The purpose of the meeting was to share and analyze intelligence from various Police Commands across the country to ensure national security.
“We are prepared, and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest most professionally,” Egbetokun stated.
The Inspector General of Police emphasized the commitment of the police to provide security for those participating in peaceful protests. “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful,” he said.
However, he underscored the duty of the police to protect lives and property, stressing that they would not tolerate any form of violence.
“We will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest. We are not against peaceful protest; we will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest,” he reiterated.
Egbetokun pointed out that maintaining law and order during the protest would be manageable if the protesters remained peaceful.
“It becomes a challenge if the protest is violent, and I have always said that the right to protest is the right to peaceful protest. No civilized society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right,” he asserted.
The Inspector General of Police called on Nigerian youths to disregard any calls for violent protests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and order.
