The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, emphasized that the Nigeria Police will handle the planned protest on Aug. 1 with utmost professionalism.

Speaking at a meeting with Strategic Police Managers in Abuja on Tuesday, July 23, he underscored that the gathering aimed to discuss and analyze intelligence gathered from police commands nationwide for enhanced national security.

“So we are prepared, and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner” he said
The IG said the police would remain committed to providing security for those who would protest peacefully.”
“If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful. But we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burn down facilities in the name of protest. So we are not against peaceful protest; we will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest,” he said.

He said the task of maintaining law and order during the protest would not be a challenge if the protesters engaged in peaceful protest.The police boss added that it becomes a challenge if the protest is violent.

“No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”he emphasized.