A directive from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has outlawed all forms of protests between August 1 and 10, 2024.
This move comes as Nigerians gear up for nationwide protests against bad governance and hardship during the same period.
It should be recalled that the government, through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, had earlier said that citizens have the right to peaceful protests.
A leaked memo from police commissioners to state criminal investigation departments and other police units reveals a contradictory stance.
The memo states that the IGP has ordered police units to mobilize personnel and equipment, collaborate with other agencies and the military, occupy strategic points and engage with community stakeholders.
The memo stressed that “no form of protest must be allowed” during the specified period.
“The INGENPOL (inspector general of police) directs that you be proactive X mobilise well kitted and equipped personnel yours X synergies with other sister agencies and the military X take over all strategic points in your AOR (Areas of Responsibility) x deploy undercover for intelligence gathering x disperse unlawful gathering x be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders x no form of protest must be allowed during the period,” the memo said.
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