IGP Directs Police to Take Strong Action Against Arsonists, Troublemakers Amid Protests

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed police forces nationwide to “deal decisively” with arsonists and troublemakers as youths prepare to stage #EndBadGovernance protests against hunger and economic hardship across the Federation starting Thursday, August 1, 2024.

In a statement signed personally by the IGP on the eve of the nationwide protests, Egbetokun noted that the organisers of the demonstrations had not provided the police with details such as participant names or rally routes.

The IGP criticized the movement’s name, “Take It Back Movement,” stating it has “far-reaching undemocratic, unconstitutional and illegal connotations.” He added that intelligence reports suggest the protests are intended to incite chaos and target innocent citizens.

Egbetokun emphasized that the police will not tolerate a “state of anomy” and have been instructed to protect lives and property from attacks.

“All officers and men of the Nigeria Police are hereby directed to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen, threat to lives and properties, breach of peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country,” he said. “Perpetrators of any crime will be arrested and promptly prosecuted.”

The upcoming protests, gaining traction on social media, are set to take place across all states and the nation’s capital, Abuja. The demonstrations come in response to soaring food and basic commodity prices amidst one of Nigeria’s worst inflation crises, driven by the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and unification of forex windows.

Authorities, including the police, military, and the Department of State Services, have cautioned against protests similar to Kenya’s recent demonstrations. Despite appeals from politicians and concerns that the rallies might mirror the EndSARS protests of October 2020, the youth remain resolute in their plans.