Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, issued guidelines on Friday for the planned nationwide protest on August 1.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and order amid the demonstrations.
Egbetokun outlined specific requirements for protest organizers to ensure the protests remain peaceful and well-coordinated:
He said that protesters must provide details of their proposed route, assembling point; duration of the protest; and names and contacts of protest leaders and organizers.
The I-G said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state the protest was intended, must also be provided with measures taken to prevent the hijack of the protest by criminal elements.
“Providing this information will enable the police to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety,” Egbetokun stated. “It will also help us designate specific routes and areas for the protest, avoiding clashes with other events or activities.”
The I-G assured that the police acknowledge the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly but stressed the importance of cooperation to maintain order. He urged all protest groups to work closely with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly.
Egbetokun disclosed that the police had been monitoring the threats surrounding the planned protest. He noted that some groups were calling for violent protests, while others proposed peaceful demonstrations with violent undertones.
“We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we need to look to other countries to understand the dangers of unchecked demonstrations,” he stated.
Egbetokun also expressed concerns about foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the planned protest, urging Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group. “It has become clear that even peaceful protests at this time might be ill-timed,” he added.
The I-G warned that the police would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the country or exploit the protest for criminal agendas. “We will not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure, private property, or looting of private businesses,” he declared.
Egbetokun’s message underscores the need for responsible conduct during the protests to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
