The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, stated on Tuesday that the proposed nationwide protest was ill-advised, urging the citizens to abandon the plan.

His comment was in response to social media campaigns mobilising for a nationwide protest slated for August 1 due to the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with commissioners of police in Abuja, Egbetokun noted that the country has its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

The IG added that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts

He said, “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks. Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategising and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder. As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences. The last #EndSars protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.