Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has instructed senior police officers to ensure the safety and protection of participants in the upcoming nationwide protests, scheduled for the first week of August.
Despite appeals from the federal government and President Bola Tinubu to call off the protests, the demonstrations against economic hardship in the country are expected to proceed.
In preparation, the Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy organization, has formally notified the IGP of its plans to hold public gatherings, rallies, and processions in conjunction with other Nigerians.
In a letter to the IGP, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the group’s lawyer, requested police protection for the protesters.
Responding to the request in a letter dated July 29 and signed by Johnson Adenola, the IGP principal secretary, Egbetokun granted the request of the group for police protection.
The IGP asked Adegboruwa to meet with him at the police headquarters in Abuja to deliberate further on the request.
“I am to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request,” the letter reads.
“I am to also inform you that the Inspector-General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024, to deliberate further on your request.”
