Protest: Police ask organisers to submit details of leaders, point of gathering, others

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has asked organisers of the planned nationwide protest to submit their details, point of assembly, among others, to the commissioner of police across the federation.

Egbetokun spoke in Abuja on Friday, during a press conference, on the heels of a youth-led planned nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

The planned protest is slated to commence on August 1.

The IGP said providing the information will enable the force to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

“To facilitate an incident-free protest, they (organisers of protest) should please provide the following information: one, proposed protest route and assembly point; two, expected duration of protest; three, names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers; four, measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers of possible isolation of potential troublemakers,” Egbetokun said.

“Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities; establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.

“We are committed to working with all Nigerians to promote peaceful expression and maintain public order.”