The Nigeria Police Force has advised law-abiding citizens participating in the ongoing protests across the country to withdraw immediately, citing escalating violence in several states. This caution follows recent disruptions and violence associated with the protests.
In a statement released on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi addressed the situation, saying, “The ongoing protest has obviously turned violent.
We therefore advise law-abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it.”
The statement also refutes recent claims by Amnesty International, which reported that thirteen individuals had died as a result of the protests that began on August 1, 2024.
Amnesty International had also alleged that security forces used lethal tactics and firearms to manage the gatherings.
The Nigeria Police Force provided details on the incidents from the first two days of the protests: In Borno State, four people died, and thirty-four were injured in a terrorist attack by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP members who detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) among the protesters.
In another incident, an unregistered Honda Prelude car ran into protesters, causing the deaths of two civilians. The driver fled, but the vehicle has been recovered, and efforts are underway to locate the driver.
In Yauri, Kebbi State, a local vigilante shot and killed a looter during an attempted robbery at a shop. The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police is investigating this incident.
These incidents bring the total number of deaths to seven, with no other fatalities reported. The protests have also been marked by armed robbery, arson, looting, and property destruction.
The police have made numerous arrests related to these criminal activities and recovered stolen items and dangerous weapons.
The Nigeria Police Force emphasizes that their personnel have acted professionally, using only teargas in response to riotous behavior and demonstrating restraint even when attacked.
A total of 681 individuals have been arrested for various offenses, and significant recoveries have been made.
The police reaffirm their commitment to maintaining law and order and urge all citizens to disregard misleading reports and avoid participating in the now-violent protests.
