The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has placed police officers across the country on a red alert following the incidents that trail the nationwide protest against economic hardship.

The IGP said there were looting, killings, and destruction of properties by hoodlums during the first day of the protest in some states on Thursday, August 1, 2024, adding that police officers have been mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly to any further threats to public safety and order.

Egbetokun said this at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.

Acknowledging the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express their views on issues of national importance, Egbetokun said hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians who had their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed.

He further stated that the motive of the rioters was to loot and destroy both private and government property, saying the destruction so far has been mind-boggling.

The IGP noted that there has been destruction in Abuja, Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Niger, and Jigawa States, with police stations being destroyed and attempts to take over government houses, looting of government infrastructures, several warehouses, and shops.

The IGP said: “In places like Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Gombe, among others, we recorded incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where one policeman has been reported murdered and others seriously injured.

“Today (Thursday) in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing 4 instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.

4 killed, 34 injured as Boko Haram infiltrates protest in Borno

“We wish to advise law-abiding citizens of Nigeria to heed and not dismiss warnings given by the police and other security agencies which were based on credible and actionable security intelligence.

“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety and order. We remain committed and resolute to protecting lives and property and ensuring that law and order are maintained across the nation.

“Groups who are hiding under the guise of exercise of a right provided in the Constitution to destabilize the country should remember that the same Constitution imposed on them the duty to obey the laws of the land and respect the rights of other citizens.

“The police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises.”

Egbetokun, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain calm and cooperate with the police and other security agencies during the nationwide protest, saying: “Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country.”

The Star