The Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert over threat to lives and property as some part of the country recorded violence on the nationwide protests kick-started August 1st, 2024.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun who gave the order in Abuja on Thursday disclosed that the Policemen are fully mobilized, prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any further threats to public safety.
Report gathered that the planned protests, projected against high cost of living, security among other issues, recorded violence in Federal Capital Territory, Kaduna, Kano, Borno and Gombe, among others.
Egbetokun in his speech on the first day of the planned protests confirmed that incidents of unprovoked attacks on security personnel, where a policeman was reported to have been murdered and others seriously injured.
According to him, “Today in Borno State, we recorded one incident of explosion which occurred in the crowd of protesters killing four instantly and severely injuring 34 others, many of whom are presently on danger list.
“In the light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilized 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 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 is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and get assistance from other security agencies, including the military if the need arises”, the Inspector-General of Police said.
Regrettably, Egbetokun said the events in some major cities on the first day showed that what was being instigated was mass uprising and looting, not protest. “Those who were in the forefront of promoting the idea of the protest were not around to lead it. 
“Hoodlums have been let loose on innocent Nigerians and their hard-earned businesses and property looted and destroyed. The motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property.
“The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa.
“Police stations have been destroyed, there has been attempts to take over government houses, looting of govt infrastructures, several warehouses and shops have so far been looted and, in several instances, completely destroyed”.
The IGP pointed out that the motive of the rioters was basically two; loot and destroy both private and government property. “The destruction so far has been mind-boggling. There has been destruction in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, FCT Abuja, Niger, Jigawa”.
He appealed to all citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies during this challenging period. “Your safety is our top priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure continued peace and stability in our country”, Egbetokun added.
