In preparation for the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, the Inspector General of Police has instructed state commands to raid vulcanizer shops and confiscate all unused tyres.
This measure aims to prevent protesters from burning tyres on highways or other significant locations during demonstrations against worsening hunger and misgovernance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
A leaked police wireless message from the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State, addressed to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and various units, obtained by SaharaReporters, warned that any DPOs in areas where protesters set fires would face sanctions. The specific punishments for failing DPOs were not detailed in the wireless message.
The message, dated “DTO:240840/07/2024,” directed to DECOMPOL CID, ACPOL SID, all ACPOLS, DPOS, RRS, AKS, and SHP in Ekiti, stated:
> “CB:4001/EKS/DOPS/VOL.53/181. Order and directives. Re-nationwide protest against end bad government in Nigeria. In view of Inspector General of Police conference/briefing with Assistant Inspector General of Police zones and Commissioners of Police in all the states on the above subject. Commissioner of Police directs you go out in the midnight, raid vulcanizer shops in and around yours and seize all un-used tyres and dispose them off to prevent protesters from using same to set burn fire on the highway.
> Any DPO in whose Area of Operation burn fire occurs will be sanctioned accordingly. All to ensure strict compliance please.”
This directive underscores the authorities’ efforts to curb potential disruptions and maintain order during the planned protests.
