The Yobe State Police Command has reported the arrest of 18 people involved in a violent protest and vandalism that occurred on Thursday in Nguru, Potiskum, and Gashua during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests in Nigeria.
According to DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the suspects, who were pretending to be peaceful protesters, set fire to public buildings and stole food and equipment. They will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
The state Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has warned against destroying government property and stressed that the police will enforce a curfew in the affected towns to maintain order.
Abdulkarim emphasised that while people have the right to peaceful protest, it should not violate others’ rights. Criminal actions will be strongly opposed.
The police urge local communities to work with them to prevent further violence and maintain peace.
“While recognising the right to peaceful assembly, the command stresses that this right is not absolute and must not infringe on the rights of others. Any criminal acts will be met with firm resistance.
“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order and warns against violent protests that could lead to social and economic chaos,” he said.