The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced that it arrested several protesters for vandalism, in Kano State, News About Nigeria reports.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, CSC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued Friday in Abuja.
Recall that the nationwide protest to end bad governance in the country, commenced on Thursday, the 1st of August 2024, and is expected to run till the 10th of August.
The PRO noted that the suspects were arrested for vandalising shops and other buildings, adding that it remains a shameful act.
He disclosed that the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has placed all Zonal Commanders, Head of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 States and FCT on red alert.
According to him, the Commandant is unhappy with the way protesters attacked security agencies deployed to protect government infrastructure and the civil populace.
The Commandant General also lamented that organisers of the protests were not present in most cases, thereby, giving room for unscrupulous elements to infiltrate the demonstrations.
“The NSCDC Boss, who led a team of operatives to monitor the protests last night in Abuja, expressed concern about the attacks meted out on security agencies deployed to protect government infrastructure and the civil populace.
“It is very lamentable that there was the incidence of fierce attacks on security operatives and wanton destruction of properties in Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Gombe and many other States just as officers and men were injured and NSCDC operational vehicle was set ablaze in Katsina.
“The Commandant General further hinted that 32 suspects were arrested by NSCDC men at Sabo Gari, Bata France road and Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano; he said the operatives swiftly intervened while outnumbered protesters were carting away with goods worth thousands of naira.
“While #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests kicked off August 1, our men who had been earlier briefed on the need to safeguard all critical national assets and infrastructure across the board did not hesitate to ensure that 32 suspects were apprehended for vandalism, looting and destruction of property. They would be properly investigated and legal actions be appropriately taken,” the statement reads in part.
The CG further noted that the security agencies will not tolerate any act of violence and destruction of government facilities, adding that those who dare will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
