The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a stern warning on Tuesday against any attempts to incite violence under the guise of replicating the recent protests in Kenya.
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The caution came during a strategic meeting held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja with top police officers, including Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs).
Last month, Kenya witnessed significant protests sparked by policies deemed anti-masses, leading to demonstrations at the parliament and other strategic locations.
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These protests resulted in notable reforms, including a cabinet reshuffle.
In Nigeria, groups are mobilizing under the theme #EndBadGovernance, drawing inspiration from the Kenyan protests.
However, IGP Egbetokun emphasized that any attempt to engage in violent protests would be met with firm resistance from the police.
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“Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously,” Egbetokun stated.
“We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, color, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities. We will not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleash violence on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again.”
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Egbetokun recalled the trauma experienced by the police during the last #EndSARS protests, which led to significant destruction of public assets and loss of lives.
“The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives,” he said.
“Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise.”
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The IGP revealed that background checks on many organizers and sponsors of the current protest revealed that they are not residing in Nigeria, suggesting they aim to instigate crisis in the country.
He reiterated the police’s commitment to upholding the right to peaceful protest while ensuring these protests do not escalate into violence or disorder.
Egbetokun assured that measures are in place to apprehend any individuals or groups attempting to disguise themselves as protesters to incite violence.
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“We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding Nigerians,” he said.
“Consequently, I want to seize this opportunity to sound a serious warning to hoodlums who may want to take laws into their own hands in the name of protests.”
The police chief concluded by stressing the importance of maintaining peace and security and urged potential protesters to abandon any plans for violent demonstrations.
