The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said last night that the killings, destruction and lootings that trailed yesterday’s nationwide protest would have been avoided if the conveners had harkened to the advice to follow guidelines provided by the police to ward off hijack of process.
Speaking at Force headquarters, Egbetokun said: “You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal showing the intent of some groups to foment trouble and create anarchy in the country.
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“While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
“Based on this intelligence, the Police advised that the protests be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on going on with the protests, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations.
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“This would have enabled the police to provide adequate protection for the protesters and isolate the criminals whose intention was to loot and destroy in the name of a protest.
“This we were doing in furtherance of our duty to protect lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“While we affirmed the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitation instigated by some individuals who are disloyal to the government.
“Despite our suspicions, we showed good faith through professional conduct by providing security at strategic locations all aimed at ensuring peaceful conduct during the protest as the promoters pledged.
“Our men deployed nationwide went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated.
“In places where there were court orders, we gave instructions for observance of same. Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest.
Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. Instead, hoodlums were let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. The destruction so far has been mind-boggling.
“There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa.
“Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have been so far looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed.
“In spite of the refusal of the protesters for instance in FCT to adhere to a court order requesting that protest in Abuja should be at the at National Stadium, they instead trooped into the streets, and yet the police provided security for them.
“At no point did we breach their fundamental rights even as they breached court order. In places like FCT, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman was reported dead and others seriously injured.
“We alerted earlier on that terror elements may take advantage of the protests to infiltrate the crowd of protesters with suicide bombers.”
“Yesterday in Lagos, our EOD team was informed of a suspected IED on Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja. The team responded swiftly and rendered safe what turned out to be an improvised explosive device.
“Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“We wish to advise law abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert.
“Our officers are fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.
“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.
“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.
“We appeal to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.
“My invitation to the conveners is still valid for them to furnish us with their routes, time and others to ensure peaceful protest. I want to caution that those who want to protest should remain peaceful otherwise we are not going to allow this anymore.
“This right to protest is not absolute. Our lawyers are not telling them their duties to respect the rights of other citizens, and to obey the law of the land. They only talk of the right of the citizens to protest
On disclisure by the groups that theyvwere not served any court order restricting them to certain locations,vthe IGP said, “How do you serve court order to faceless people. They were carrying their plans and mobilization onvsocial media and the court order was served them on social media. The intentions of this so called protesters are not genuine.
Egbetokun said Police was not overwhelmed adding “We were only being civil. We have standby force. We were only expecting them to be civil. We will not allow this to happen again.”
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