Protest: Police warns against violence, vows to prosecute offenders

The Nigeria Police High Command has expressed deep concerns over the upcoming hardship protest organized by the Take It Back Movement and other groups.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a statement, warned against potential violence and unrest, citing intelligence reports that suggest the protest may be exploited to incite chaos.

The high command emphasized the need for organizers to adhere to legal requirements and provide necessary details to ensure public safety, while also preparing police formations nationwide to respond decisively to any criminal activities that may arise.

“Intelligence at the disposal of the Nigeria Police reveals that the protests are practically aimed at unleashing mayhem on the polity, innocent citizens’ markers, stores, private and public properties, as well as critical infrastructure of government across the country,” Egbetokun said.

“The name given to the movement -“TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT” has far-reaching undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal connotations.

“In the above circumstances, no responsible Law enforcement agency in any part of the civilized or democratic world would fold its arms and watch a degeneration of the situation.”

The police, according to Egbetokun, have been in communication with the movement’s leadership and their legal representatives, urging them to provide essential details about the planned protests.

This includes the routes, venues, timings, and other necessary information to ensure public safety and respect for other citizens’ rights.

The Inspector General stressed that this information is crucial for the police to offer protection to both the protesters and the public.

However, he said the organizers have not provided the requested information.

“Accordingly, 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,” Egbetokun said.

“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, 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.”

The police boss said the force would arrest and prosecute anyone involved in acts of arson, intimidation, or any other illegal activities.