IGP Requests Protesters’ Information for Nationwide Demonstration
Police are asking information about the participants ahead of the scheduled nationwide protest, which begins on August 1.
While briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, explicitly requested that all groups planning to engage in the demonstrations submit their information to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
He explained that the protest was peaceful.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” according to the police chief.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide all necessary information to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest will take place.”
To ensure a successful and incident-free protest, they should supply the following information: the proposed protest routes and gathering points, the projected duration of the protest, and the names and contact information for protest leaders and organizers.”
The IG noted that the information expected from the organisers will include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal groups, as well as vital identifiers for potential troublemakers to be isolated.
Hijacking
Concerned about the likelihood of the protest being hijacked by criminal groups, the IGP stated that police officials required the essential intelligence to identify possible troublemakers.
He emphasized the police’s intention to deploy appropriate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, stating that the Force must be aware of the protest’s precise routes and places in order to avoid confrontations with other events or activities.
The IGP also issued further advice to protestors, including the need to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimize 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.”
