JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun Orders Crackdown on ‘Unscrupulous Elements’ Planning Protests During Independence Celebrations

Ahead of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has placed all police formations across the country on high alert. The directive, issued through the Nigerian Police Department of Operations, aims to prevent planned protests under the banner of #FearlessInOctober during the October 1st celebrations.

A police signal obtained by Sahara Reporters on Thursday evening confirmed the IGP’s instructions to Area Inspectors-General across the country’s 17 zones. The message, Ref: DTO: 261604/09/2024, mandates that all necessary measures be taken to halt what Egbetokun termed “unscrupulous elements” from organizing a nationwide strike.

The police have been tasked with deploying covert operatives to key areas for intelligence gathering and to maintain order. IGP Egbetokun emphasized continued engagement with protest leaders to dissuade them from disrupting the Independence Day festivities. He warned that any attempt to engage in violence or property destruction should be swiftly and forcefully resisted.

“Commissioners of Police should ensure that officers are on red alert, maintaining well-equipped standby teams at all Command Headquarters, Area Commands, and Divisional Police Stations,” the signal read. Officers are instructed to wear camouflage uniforms, with tactical units donning ballistic helmets, while covert operatives and specialized units are to appear in their approved attire from September 30th until further notice.

This comes as a coalition of civic organizations has called on Nigerians to join the protests starting October 1st. These groups, including the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), and Joint Action Front (JAF), are urging participation in demonstrations against what they describe as poor governance under President Bola Tinubu. They argue that the government has failed to address the issues raised during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In their joint statement, signed by leaders from various pro-democracy groups, the coalition stated, “President Tinubu’s actions in recent days show that his government is not ready to listen to the pain and demands of Nigerians.”