IGP Egbetokun: Police will professionally handle any protest

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians that the police will manage any protests professionally if they occur.

This commitment was made public by the police spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, through a concise post quoting the IGP.

During the police strategic managers and tactical commanders conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Egbetokun emphasized the citizens’ right to peaceful protest.

The post read, “We will be professional in handling any protest in Nigeria. Right to protest is the right to peaceful protest… IGP Egbetokun.”

Egbetokun’s remarks come in response to planned hardship protests predominantly organized by youths frustrated by increasing poverty, unemployment, and economic difficulties in the country.

In a related development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, has urged Abuja residents to refrain from joining the nationwide protest scheduled for August.

Igweh expressed concerns that the protest could be hijacked by miscreants who might infiltrate the city and exacerbate security challenges.

Addressing the public, Igweh highlighted the sacrifices made by the police to ensure the safety of Abuja residents.

“You have fought those people outside Abuja; we have been to Kaduna to fight them; we have been to Nasarawa to fight them. We have been to Kogi to fight them. We have been to Niger to fight them so that you can be safe.”

He added, “This is why I have lost men. Last week alone, in Gidan Dogo I lost two policemen. The other day, I lost two again. Let our loss pay for the protest. I want to plead with you. We do not need you to be in the street.”

Igweh’s appeal underscores the police’s dedication to maintaining order and preventing the planned protest from escalating into violence or chaos.