Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, he advised Nigerians to exercise caution before participating in any protest.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has claimed that foreign mercenaries are involved in the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, he advised Nigerians to exercise caution before participating in any protest.
Egbetokun reported that the police had been monitoring the threats associated with the protests. Some groups are calling for violent demonstrations similar to recent events in Kenya, while others advocate for peaceful protests.
However, he expressed concerns that some individuals promoting peaceful protests might have hidden violent agendas.
He said this raised doubts about their true intentions and the credibility of their calls for non-violence.
The Inspector General referred to Nigeria’s own history of violent protests, suggesting that there is no need to look internationally to understand the risks of unchecked demonstrations.
He commended those who had withdrawn from the protests due to concerns about violent motives.
Egbetokun also noted that some individuals had opposed any form of protest at this critical time, fearing "that hostile foreign elements might be manipulating the process.
"Their concerns have been validated by credible intelligence.
"The intelligence indicates that foreign mercenaries are indeed involved in the planned protests."
He urged all citizens to think twice before joining any protest group, given the risks associated with foreign mercenaries and potential violence. Exercising caution is essential to avoid falling into potential traps.
Egbetokun therefore stressed the importance of vigilance.