Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has strongly denounced the widespread unrest, looting, property destruction, and attempts to occupy government buildings that occurred on Thursday, perpetrated by certain individuals protesting against economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During a live broadcast addressing the protests, Egbetokun condemned these actions as a “mass uprising” and directed all police units to be on high alert, prioritizing public safety and security.
“We acknowledge the right of citizens to protest, but this right is not absolute. Citizens also have duties and responsibilities towards their nation, including being law-abiding and loyal. Understanding your rights is important, but it is equally crucial to fulfill your duties and responsibilities.
“The red bands we are wearing signify that our command is on high alert. Those claiming they were not served court orders must understand that serving faceless individuals is challenging. Their threats were made on social media, and they were served through the same platform,” he said.
Egbetokun expressed his sorrow over the loss of four lives in Borno due to an IED explosion. He also noted the police’s successful prevention of a similar incident in Lagos.
