Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered commanders of Tactical Squads to take charge of their areas of operations to prevent violence and anarchy across the country.
This directive follows the determination of the protest organizers to proceed despite appeals from the government, individuals, and groups.
Addressing commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja on Saturday, Egbetokun emphasized that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, this right must not infringe on the rights of others.
The inspector general also stressed the need for commanders to ensure that all officers and men of the force remain professional and exercise utmost restraint in the face of provocation.
Egbetokun had earlier requested demonstrators to submit their details to the police. During a briefing with journalists in Abuja on Friday, he specifically asked all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states, stating that this measure was to ensure the protest remains peaceful.
