The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and State Commissioners of Police to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the country.

The IGP also warned against the shutdown of the national grid during a nationwide protest by some individuals on Democracy Day slated for Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Egbetokun gave the warning in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday, June 11.

Adejobi stated: “Those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection. Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law.

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“Members of the public are again reminded that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent/disrupt the transmission of electricity. It is equally unacceptable to cause disruption to any other critical infrastructure such as airports, hospitals, and other essential services, or violent picketing in whatever magnitude.”

He said Egbetokun had directed all zonal AIGs and State Commissioners of Police in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure robust security arrangements are in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order including strategic deployments to protect key infrastructures and ensure that protests, if any, remain peaceful and lawful.

The police spokesperson added: “The Police equally appeal to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals who are mobilising for violent protest with intent to create anarchy. Such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest

“We remain dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens while ensuring that public order is maintained.”

The Star