The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has warned members of the public against disseminating fake and unverified news across all media platforms during the #EndBadGovernance protest commencing on August 1, 2024.

In a press release on Wednesday, the public relations officer of the Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that Mr Egbetokun directed police officers to put measures in place to curb the act.

He stated that the IGP issued the warning while addressing senior police officers across the country in a virtual conference.

He said, “With much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms, charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this, and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media.”

Mr Adejobi stated that Mr Egbetokun also warned Nigerians against “unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions” capable of causing the breakdown of law and order, insisting that protests in confined places are the best option to prevent the destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.

Acknowledging the democratic rights of peaceful demonstrations, Mr Adejobi urged officers to be vigilant against hijacking of the protest and ensure that they do not turn violent.

He urged officers to maintain a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the country’s safety and security depend on their vigilance, gallantry, and readiness and that of other security agencies.