ASHENEWS reports that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun says that all police commands and units in Nigeria have been placed on red alert, following the outcomes of Thursday’s protests against hunger.
The IGP stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Thursday night.
The police boss who maintained that personnel were civil in their conduct during the protest expressed concern that the demonstration had been hijacked by criminals.
He confirmed that a policeman was killed by protesters while several others were injured.
“Our men went out with a clear brief to ensure that no one is unnecessarily harassed or intimidated. Regrettably, events in some major cities today show that what was being instigated was a mass uprising and looting, not a protest.
“While we affirm the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, we were wary about the dangers posed by agitations instigated by individuals who have shown a tendency to be disloyal to the government of the day,” he said.
The IGP further warned that the force may be forced to respond to the acts of criminals who have hijacked the protest.
He added that the force will not condone unprovoked attacks on policemen and other security personnel by demonstrators.
“Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and properties looted and destroyed.
“The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroyed both private and govt property.
The IGP who confirmed destructions in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, FCT, Niger and Jigawa warned Nigerians that some groups are hiding under the protest to destabilize the country.
“The police is equipped to respond appropriately to your phoney situations and will get assistance from sister security agencies including the military if the need arises,” the IGP warned criminals.
