Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has asserted that security agencies will, under no circumstances, allow a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protests where lives and properties were lost.
The IGP disclosed this at a meeting with heads of paramilitary agencies on Tuesday.
He emphasized the commitment and preparedness of the Nigeria Police Force to protect all peaceful protesters while ensuring that any attempt to incite violence or cause chaos is swiftly curtailed.
“We are fully prepared to safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters while ensuring that any elements with intentions to disrupt public order are dealt with decisively,” Egbetokun stated.
The closed-door meeting, which is currently ongoing, is being attended by heads of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCoS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The gathering underscores the coordinated effort by various security agencies to maintain peace and order during the planned protests.
The IGP called for unity and collaboration among all security agencies to ensure a peaceful environment where citizens can express their grievances without fear of violence.
“We are united in our mission to protect lives and properties. Let this serve as a strong message to anyone planning to exploit these protests for malicious purposes: we will not tolerate any form of lawlessness,” Egbetokun warned.
This meeting is part of a broader strategy by the government and security forces to address the concerns of citizens while preventing any recurrence of the violence and destruction witnessed during the EndSARS protests in 2020. The IGP also urged protesters to conduct their demonstrations peacefully and lawfully, reiterating the police force’s dedication to upholding democratic rights and maintaining public safety.
