”Police have not shot anybody since the beginning of 2024 nationwide protest”- IGP

By Biola Adebayo On Aug 6, 2024

Police, shot, nationwide protest,IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, — IGP, Kayode Egbetokun

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has said the Police have been careful in the management of the nationwide protest and have not deployed water cannons, live or rubber bullets but only tear gas.

The IGP said that the reported shooting of an innocent protester in Kubwa, Abuja, was not the handwork of Police operatives rather it may have been done by armed robbers or armed hoodlums.

He said the police had not shot a single soul since the beginning of the protests.

SolaceBase had reported the alleged shooting at Kurna and Bachirawa area of Kano on Saturday that led to the death of no fewer than 8 persons, including children.

Egbetokun spoke at the Joint Media briefing summoned by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa at the Defence headquarters on Tuesday.

“Since August 1 nobody has fired gunshots and we didn’t use force on innocent protesters. We only provided security for them. Even in the midst of the protest, we have arrested several armed robbers, criminal elements who stole and committed other offenses.

Also, Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa disclosed that the constant briefing of the media shows the respect and love the security agencies have for the country and the commitment to their task.

“The only people we are after is the enemy of the state who should be ready to face the law. We will not relent in pursuing those who continue to encourage subversions. We will remain professional and our men on the fields will remain professional as well.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja disclosed that long before the protest, the Nigerian Army had deployed troops due to security challenges across Nigeria noting that the army stands assured of protecting Nigeria’s Democracy, Peace and Harmony and will not shift ground on that.

Advising youths in the country to desist from violence as the act is needless, Lagbaja said the Nigerian Army will not watch the country slide into anarchy as “We would continue to partner with other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability.

DSS spokesman, Dr Peter Afunanya while confirming that some sponsors of the foreign flags distribution have been arrested urged Nigerians to be patient as their identities would soon be disclosed.