Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has said security agencies will under no circumstances, allow a repeat of 2020 EndSARS where lives and properties were lost.
The IGP stated disclosed this at a meeting with heads of paramilitary agencies on Tuesday.
He reiterated the commitment and preparedness of the Nigeria Police Force to protect all peaceful protesters.
The IGP further called on Nigerians to beware of fake news as this could escalate the protest. He further said that Nigerians should be wary of what they read on social media.
He further said that the security agents on duty will be equipped with body cameras to give accurate on-the-spot assessment of the protest.
The meeting was attended by heads of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS), and the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC).
In another development, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a suspect in Plateau State for inciting violence through a viral TikTok video, urging attacks on critical state infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals. The suspect, identified as Suleiman Yakubu, a 34-year-old resident of Jos North, was arrested on July 28, 2024, after a swift operation by the police.
In a press briefing held today, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, detailed the events leading to the arrest. “A video recently went viral on TikTok, where an individual incited violence against state critical infrastructures, law enforcement agencies, and private individuals in Plateau State, in connection with the planned nationwide protest. The video, originating from a TikTok account identified as ‘Dan_Mallam68,’ showed the suspect provocatively urging the public to attack petrol stations, and security operatives, and destroy critical state and private infrastructures,” Adejobi stated.
Upon receiving this information, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State, with support from relevant stakeholders, traced the suspect’s location to Ahmadu Bello Way. During interrogation, Mr Yakubu confessed to being the individual in the viral video but has not been able to explain his motivation for making such statements. He is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The police have also received credible intelligence indicating that certain individuals plan to infiltrate the upcoming nationwide protest and cause chaos. ACP Adejobi emphasized the importance of cooperation between protest leaders and the police, urging organizers to provide vital information such as contact details, locations, routes, and schedules. This collaboration will enable the police to deploy personnel effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all participants and the general public.
“It is imperative to emphasize that the Nigeria Police will not tolerate any attempts by mischief-makers to destabilize the country or incite violence. We remain committed to maintaining peace and order and urge everyone to exercise their right to protest responsibly and within the bounds of the law,” Adejobi concluded.
The police call on all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure a peaceful and orderly environment during the protests
