Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has indicated that the police might seek assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if the nationwide protests against hunger intensify.
On Thursday, protests in some northern states, including Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, and Yobe, turned violent, involving looting and vandalism. In Lagos and Abuja, police used teargas on peaceful protesters.
During a press briefing, Egbetokun said, “The Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order.”
“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if the need arises,” he added.
The protests, called ’10 Days of Rage’ and #EndBadGovernance on social media, have arisen amidst Nigeria’s worst cost of living crisis in decades, following President Bola Tinubu’s removal of the petrol subsidy and floating of the nation’s currency in 2023.
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