The Inspector General of Police, IGP Dr Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday addressed a virtual conference with Senior Police Officers from across the country, focusing on critical issues of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protest in the country.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi
According to the statement, “In his address, the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the safety and security of the nation “depends on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of our officers in the Police and other security agencies”.
It stated that the IGP highlighted the need for continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to respond to any situation while maximally equipped, and ready to handle any scenario that may arise.
It added the Police boss who stressed that the critical role of the police in maintaining law and order reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.
According to it, the IGP also emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right, the police must be vigilant to prevent any group from hijacking such events to incite violence , directing that proactive measures must be emplaced to ensure that peaceful protests do not turn into violent confrontations, “as Nigeria cannot afford to record any violence in this period”.
” Furthermore, with much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this, and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media.
It further added that the IGP also warned against unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions, which could disrupt public order and safety reiterating that confined protests were best in this situation to prevent destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.
The IGP called on all senior officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, emphasizing that their leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead, the statement added
