The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to effect the deployment of police personnel nationwide to ensure that fifth columnists did not hijack today’s protests.
Egbetokun said the police were fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that could threaten peace, public safety and security.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police had deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
Part of the statement read, “In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
“All Commissioners of Police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.
“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.
“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage on the nationwide protests to create brouhaha.
“Such will be met with an approved legal and proportional force, as the police will not allow wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property, like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in any part of the country.
“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“The Inspector-General of Police urges all participants at the proposed protest to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, adhering to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others.”