CREDIBLE information available to the Nigeria Police Force reveals that foreign mercenaries may be involved in the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.
This information was shared by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun today during a press briefing in Abuja, during which he asked all groups intending to participate in the protests to report their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by those opposing any form of protest at this critical time, fearing that adversaries of our nation might be manipulating the situation.
“We confirm that these concerns are valid, as we have credible intelligence regarding the involvement of foreign mercenaries in this planned protest,” the police chief stated.
Social media has been abuzz with discussions about the ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protests, which are set to take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to August 10.
This situation has prompted President Bola Tinubu, state governors, security agencies, and traditional leaders to urge the youths to reconsider their planned actions and allow the government time to address their grievances.
During the briefing, the IGP commended “patriots who have opted out of the protest due to the apparent ulterior motives and the naivety of those calling for violence.”
He also expressed concern about the possibility for the protests to be taken over by criminal elements, explaining that the police need pertinent information to identify potential troublemakers.
Egbetokun emphasized the police’s commitment to deploying sufficient personnel and resources to maintain public safety, stating that the Force needs to know the specific routes and locations for the protests to prevent conflicts with other events or activities.
The IGP provided additional guidelines for the protesters, including the need to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise, and to minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.”
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, adhere to the law, and follow international best practices for peaceful assembly to ensure a safe and successful exercise of their rights,” he concluded.
