The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has said the Nigeria Police has not banned peaceful protest in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja or any other part of the country.

The Police had been criticized in the past few days for stopping the Bring Back Our Girls protesters from walking to the Aso Rock Villa gate.

In a statement by the Force public Relations officer, DCP Donald Awunah, the IGP said protests are part of a democratic setting, reiterating that the Nigerian Police did not ban protests.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris wishes to state categorically that at no time did Nigeria Police Force place a ban on peaceful public protest/procession anywhere in Nigeria most particularly Federal Capital Territory.  Peaceful Public protest/procession is an integral part of democratic norms in as much as it conforms with the rule of law and public order,” he said.

The statement also warned that the police be informed before embarking on protests in order to avoid such processions being hijacked by hoodlums.

“The Inspector General of Police is committed to the principles of democratic policing and adherence to international best practices in public order management.  To this end, State Commissioners of Police and Police Commanders are directed to emplace strategies to protect and facilitate lawful public protest/processions as well as protect other members of the public who are not engaged in any form of public protest/procession”, he concludes.

Azeez