Following recent moves by some groups mobilizing for a mass protest nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that the right of citizens to protest is a right to peaceful protest only.

The Nigeria police has however, vowed to protect the rights of all citizens including those on peaceful protest.

The Force in a statement issued and signed in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said no decent society anywhere in the world will tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest adding that, NPF is committed to protecting the rights of those on peaceful protest and will not look on to see the rights of others being violated in the name of a mass protest. 

The statement maintained that those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection saying acting otherwise who do otherwise would be met with the full weight of the law.

The Force reminded Members of the public that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent and disrupt the transmission of electricity adding that, 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.

The statement added that Nigeria Police Force, being a civil and responsive institution, committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, therefore warned that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardize national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action but will be met with the full force of the law.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and State Command 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 equally appealed to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals, who are mobilizing for violent protest with intent to create anarchy saying, such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest