Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has revealed that foreign mercenaries are involved in the upcoming nationwide protest scheduled to start on August 1, Channels TV reports.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Egbetokun provided details of the police's intelligence findings and urged organizers to share their plans with local police authorities.
"We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process. We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries' involvement in this planned protest," Egbetokun said.
The protest, which has garnered significant attention on social media under the banner 'End Bad Governance in Nigeria,' is set to occur across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to August 10. This has led to appeals from President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and various stakeholders for demonstrators to reconsider their plans and allow the government time to address their concerns.
Egbetokun also commended "patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence." He expressed apprehension about the potential for the protest to be overtaken by criminal elements, emphasizing the necessity for the police to gather information to identify and manage potential threats.
To ensure public safety, the IGP stressed that the police are prepared to deploy adequate personnel and resources. He highlighted the need for detailed information on protest routes and locations to avoid conflicts with other activities.
Egbetokun issued several guidelines for the protesters, advising them to establish clear communication with protest leaders and to minimize risks of violence and property damage. He urged all participants to cooperate with law enforcement, adhere to legal standards, and follow best practices for peaceful assembly to ensure a safe and effective demonstration.
Comments