The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reviewed day one of the protest against bad governance and concluded that it was a mass uprising marked by violence and looting.
Speaking from the IGP Conference Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Egbetokun began his address by reminding Nigerians of the warnings issued before the protests.
He added that despite claims of peaceful intentions, many refused to cooperate with police measures designed to ensure a non-violent demonstration.
“Based on these intelligence reports, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved,” he explained.
“Where the organizers insisted on proceeding, they were advised to stage the protest in confined locations to allow for adequate police protection and to isolate criminals intending to loot and destroy.”
The protests began on Thursday. Organisers said they were sparked by a combination of economic hardships, political dissatisfaction, and allegations of widespread corruption.
The organisers include a coalition of civil society groups, youth organisations, and activists who utilised social media platforms to mobilize and coordinate actions.
Historically, Nigeria has experienced several waves of protests, most notably the #EndSARS movement in 2020, which demanded the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) due to police brutality.
The first day of the protests saw a mix of peaceful demonstrations and violent incidents across several major cities.
In Abuja, despite a court order confining protests to the National Stadium, large crowds took to the streets.
While Egbetokun affirmed citizens’ constitutional rights to assemble and express their views, Egbetokun expressed concerns about individuals who might exploit the situation.
He noted that the police had deployed personnel nationwide with instructions to avoid unnecessary harassment and intimidation, even in places with court orders.
“Regrettably, events in some major cities today showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest,” Egbetokun said.
According to him, hoodlums looted and destroyed property in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, and Jigawa.
The destruction includes attacks on police stations, attempts to take over government buildings, and the looting of warehouses and shops.
Despite a court order confining protests in Abuja to the National Stadium, protesters took to the streets, and the police provided security without breaching their fundamental rights.
The IGP alleged that the day saw unprovoked attacks on security personnel, resulting in one policeman’s death and several injuries.
Egbetokun also highlighted the threat of terrorism, citing an incident in Lagos where an improvised explosive device (IED) was safely neutralized by the police. Tragically, in Borno State, an explosion during the protests killed four people and injured 34 others.
“We wish to advise law-abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies based on credible and actionable security intelligence,” Egbetokun urged.
The Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert, with officers fully mobilized to respond to any further threats.
“We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation,” Egbetokun assured.
In his closing remarks, Egbetokun appealed for calm and cooperation from all citizens, emphasizing that the police are equipped to respond appropriately to the situation, with assistance from other security agencies, including the military if necessary.
“Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country,” he concluded.