Mr. Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun the Inspector-General of Police at the Conference with the Strategic Police Managers said the police will manage the planned nationwide protest in the most professional manner.
He explained that there have been reports that some Nigerians, under different groups, are planning a nationwide protest between 1st and 10th of August against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country. That the police are committed to ensuring the protection of citizens during the demonstration.
The Police Boss emphasized further that apart from the threats of terrorism, banditry, oil theft, armed robbery and kidnapping, which the police are currently battling with other security agencies since the spate of vandalism and theft of public assets is of grave concern and demands urgent attention and intervention at this critical time in the history of Nigeria. That as part of the global community, since Nigeria is currently having her own share of complex and multi-faceted security challenges.
He excitedly reeled out some achievements recorded during the past one months that though major crime reported stood at 416 compared with 734 and 530 for the months of May and June respectively which is a remarkable successes in the fight against criminalities in the last one month manifesting in the arrest of a total of 1,284 suspects nationwide. Then also recovered 284 firearms, 6,702 ammunition, 107 vehicles, and rescued 97 kidnapping victims.
Egbetokun reminded everyone on the issue of pervasive vandalism and theft of public properties and components of critical public infrastructure such as manhole covers, rail lines, and public lights, etc; with its devastating negative consequences on national development. Pipeline vandalism, in particular, has resulted in significant economic losses, environmental degradation, and loss of lives. The theft of manhole covers has led to accidents, injuries, and even deaths, while the destruction of rail lines has disrupted transportation and hindered economic activities. The vandalism of public lights has created an atmosphere of insecurity, emboldening criminals and perpetuating crime.
"You are therefore directed to redouble your efforts in addressing this scourge and give adequate protection to public properties within your respective Commands. You should mobilize your resources effectively, enhance your intelligence-gathering capabilities, and work in close collaboration with other security agencies to nip all these in the bud" Egbetokun admonished.
