Abuja, August 1, 2024 – The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, addressed the nation today in response to the unfolding protests across Nigeria. Speaking from the IGP Conference Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Egbetokun emphasized the gravity of the current situation and the measures being taken to maintain order and protect citizens.
In his speech, IGP Egbetokun highlighted the preemptive warnings issued by the police in anticipation of the nationwide protests. “We received actionable intelligence indicating that some groups were mobilizing youths for violent protests with the intent to create anarchy,” he stated. Despite claims by some organizations that their protests would be peaceful, the intelligence suggested otherwise. Consequently, the police advised against the protests or recommended they be held in confined locations to ensure adequate security and prevent criminal activities.
“The constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views are affirmed,” Egbetokun said. However, he expressed concern about individuals who might exploit these rights to instigate unrest. “We were wary of the dangers posed by agitation from those showing tendencies of disloyalty to the government.”
Despite these concerns, the police demonstrated good faith by providing security at strategic locations nationwide. Officers were instructed to avoid unnecessary harassment or intimidation, even in instances where protesters violated court orders, such as in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where a protest was mandated to be held at the National Stadium but spilled into the streets.
Regrettably, today’s events in several major cities, including Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa, indicated that the protests had escalated into mass uprisings and looting. “Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians, looting and destroying their hard-earned businesses and property,” Egbetokun reported. The police stations were destroyed, attempts were made to take over government buildings, and widespread looting of government infrastructures, warehouses, and shops occurred.
In the FCT, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe, unprovoked attacks on security personnel were recorded, with one policeman killed and several others seriously injured. Additionally, the police had earlier warned about the potential for terror elements to infiltrate the protests. In Lagos, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team responded to a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), which was safely neutralized. However, in Borno State, an explosion in a crowd of protesters resulted in four fatalities and 34 severe injuries.
“We urge law-abiding citizens to heed the warnings given by the police and other security agencies, which are based on credible intelligence,” Egbetokun advised. The Nigeria Police Force has now placed all units on red alert, with officers fully mobilized to respond swiftly to any further threats to public safety and order.
Egbetokun also addressed the groups exploiting constitutional rights to destabilize the country. “The same Constitution that provides these rights also imposes a duty to obey the laws and respect the rights of others,” he reminded. The police, equipped to handle the situation, will receive assistance from other security agencies, including the military if necessary.
IGP Egbetokun appealed for calm and cooperation from all citizens during this challenging period. “Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure peace and stability in our country,” he assured.
The Inspector-General’s address underscores the critical nature of the current security situation in Nigeria and the efforts being made by the police to maintain order. The unfolding events highlight the delicate balance between protecting constitutional rights and ensuring public safety, a challenge that the Nigeria Police Force is actively managing.
