Police Vow Professionalism in Handling Planned August 1 Protest

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has stated that the Nigeria Police force will respond to the planned protest by some Nigerians on August 1 “in a most professional manner.”

Egbetokun made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above. The purpose of the meeting was to share intelligence from the various Police Commands in the country and analyze it for the security of the nation.

The IG assured that the police force is prepared and will manage the protest in the most professional manner. He emphasized that the police will remain committed to providing security for those who engage in peaceful protest, but will not tolerate any acts of violence or vandalism.

“If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful,” Egbetokun said. “But we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest.”

The IG called on Nigerian youths to ignore anyone inciting them to violent protests, stating that no civilized society will tolerate such actions, as violent protest is considered criminal, while peaceful protest is a right.

Egbetokun expressed confidence that the task of maintaining law and order during the protest will not be a challenge if the protesters engage in peaceful demonstration. However, he warned that it becomes a challenge if the protest turns violent.

The meeting with the Strategic Police Managers was aimed at ensuring the security of the country during the planned protest on August 1.