The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed officers and men “to act and deal decisively with any act of arson, intimidation or harassment of any citizen, threat to lives and properties, breach of public peace and any act of criminality that may arise or flow from the planned protest in any part of the country.”

The police chief warned that: “Perpetrators of any crime will be arrested and promptly prosecuted.”

In his late night statement, Egbetokun said: “Further to the earlier statement made in respect of the proposed/planned countrywide protest by the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, particularly, to the effect that while the Nigeria Police Force recognises that protest by any group of citizens in a democracy can be organised, subject to compliance with rules and regulations, decency, respect for rule of law, as well as respect for the right of other citizens to move freely and carry out their normal duties and business without any threat or inhibition.

“The Nigeria Police hereby wishes to bring the attention of the general public to the following:

“The Nigeria Police Force has in the last few days engaged with the leadership of the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT and also through their accredited solicitors, and made it clear that in line with what operates in any civilized climes, they should submit to the respective State Commissioners of Police where they intend to carry out their protests, including the FCT, the venue/route of their assembly, congregation or procession; the commencement and closing time during the day, the modus operandi of the protests and all other information necessary to guide the Police, as well as other members of the public, who are equally entitled to their constitutional right of movement.