Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has ordered police formation across the country to be on ‘red-alert’ following what he called mass uprising, looting, destruction of properties, and attempts to take over government buildings by some protesters on Thursday.
Egbetokun, disclosed during a live broadcast in response to the protest, warned that police operatives would take necessary actions to ensure public safety, preservation of law and order amidst ongoing nationwide protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
“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.
The IGP expressed regrets over the death of four protesters in Borno due to explosion caused by IED.
He also noted the police’s successful prevention of a similar incident in Lagos.
