The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a fresh directive to officers across the country as protesters take to the streets today.
According to a statement personally signed by Egbetokun, intelligence gathered by the Nigeria Police reveals that the movement behind the planned protest, the “Take It Back Movement,” aims to unleash mayhem on the country.
The police chief expressed concerns that the protest targets the polity, innocent citizens, markets, stores, private and public properties, as well as critical government infrastructure. He noted that the movement’s name has undemocratic, unconstitutional, and illegal connotations.
Egbetokun revealed that the police have engaged with the protest leaders and their lawyers, demanding essential information about their plans, including venue, route, timing, and modus operandi. However, the organizers have failed to provide the necessary details.
The police chief emphasized that the required information is crucial to protect the organizers, participants, and the general public. He warned that the police will not tolerate any act of mayhem or destruction, and perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted.
“Therefore, all police formations across the country are hereby put on alert and directed to protect innocent lives and properties from attack, harassment, molestation, or destruction.
“Furthermore, pursuant to the essential duties of the Nigeria Police under the Constitution, the Police Act, and other enabling laws, all officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation, or harassment of any citizen.
“Officers are also expected to deal with any act of threat to lives and properties, breach of public peace, and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country.
“Perpetrators of any crime will be arrested and promptly prosecuted,” he said.
