Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has called on all groups planning to participate in the upcoming nationwide protests to submit their names to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states. This request aims to ensure that the protests remain peaceful.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on July 26, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of providing specific details to facilitate a smooth and incident-free protest. Organizers are expected to include information such as proposed protest routes and assembly points, the expected duration of the protest, and the names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place,” Egbetokun stated.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
He said, by receiving this information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure the safety of participants and the public. He also said that knowing the specific routes and areas of the protest would help avoid conflicts with other events.
Other guidelines issued by Egbetokun include: “Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity. We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”
