Protest: Take Charge, Prevent Violence, Egbetokun Directs Squad Commanders

Ahead of the nationwide protest, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police has instructed commanders of Tactical Squads, to take charge of their areas of operations by preventing violence and anarchy across the country.

The order comes after determination by the organisers of the protest to proceed with the protest, despite appeals by the government, individuals and groups.

Addressing the commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja on Saturday, Egbetokun said citizens have a right to peaceful protest, however, such rights must not be allowed to infringe on the rights of others.

The inspector general of police also stressed the need for the commanders to ensure that all officers, and men of the force remain professional by exercising utmost restraint in the face of provocation.

Egbetokun had earlier requested demonstrators to submit their details to the police.

While briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, he specifically asked all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.

The reason he gave was that the protest was peaceful.

“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” the police boss said.

“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

The IG added that the information expected from the organisers also includes measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.