By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The planned nationwide protest, which is set to take place August 1–10, 2024, has been linked to foreign mercenaries, according to Jonathan Towuru, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone Six.
This was revealed in a statement signed on Saturday night by the zonal PRO, Nelson Okpabi, on behalf of the AIG. 
The AIG stated that they have acknowledged individuals who have voiced opposition to protest in any form and conveyed concern that the nation’s enemies might be influencing the proceedings.
Towuru said: “It is confirmed that these fears are genuine based on credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in the planned protest.”
He added: “The police commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.”
Towuru emphasised that even a nonviolent demonstration at this time is inappropriate and urged the citizens of Akwa Ibom and Cross River state to use caution and consider their options carefully before joining any protest group.
The Zone is therefore issuing a stern warning to clandestine groups plotting to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit protests for their criminal intentions that the police and other security agencies will not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of public infrastructure and private property, or looting of private businesses,” he warned.
In order to enable a successful and incident-free protest, he recommended all groups organising protests to submit the required information to the commissioners of police in the states where the protest is planned.
