During a virtual meeting with senior officers, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and professionalism among police officers during the upcoming protests from August 1 to 10.
Egbetokun stressed that the safety and security of the nation rely on the readiness and gallantry of officers within the police and other security agencies. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, relayed this information in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement quoted Adejobi saying, “The Inspector General of Police addressed a virtual conference on July 31, 2024, with senior police officers nationwide to discuss crucial aspects of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protests.”
The IGP highlighted the necessity of continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to handle any potential scenarios effectively while maintaining a high level of professionalism. He reminded senior officers of their responsibility to uphold the rule of law and demonstrate integrity.
Adejobi mentioned that the Inspector General instructed senior officers to ensure the peaceful nature of the protests without any violent turn. “While peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, the police must remain vigilant to prevent any attempts to incite violence during such events,” he quoted.
Furthermore, the IGP warned against the spread of fake news during the protests. “The dissemination of unverified content on social media should be avoided, and officers must take necessary steps to combat fake news,” Adejobi stated.
The Inspector General also cautioned against unplanned protests and unnecessary disruptions to public order and safety. He emphasized the importance of confined protests to prevent damage to public infrastructure and property. The senior officers were urged to stay committed to their service, as their leadership is crucial in overcoming the upcoming challenges.