Soldiers take over streets of Abuja

Soldiers have been stationed around strategic places in the federal capital territory (FCT).

This development comes amid protests by Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and a reform of the force.

The #EndSARS protests have persisted for more than a week across the country.

The army had issued a statement, saying it would embark on a nationwide operation codenamed, ‘Crocodile Smile’.

Civil society organisations had kicked against the army’s plan to deploy soldiers in the streets to clamp down on protesters.

Although the army said its operation was not targeted at protesters, on Monday, soldiers could be seen lined up on major roads across the FCT.

Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, a group led by Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, had warned the army leadership of consequences if soldiers unleashed violence on protesters.

#EndSARS protesters in the nation’s capital have faced attacks by thugs wielding clubs and machetes.

Anthony Onome, a protester, was stabbed on Saturday when he and other agitators protesting against police brutality were attacked by hoodlums in the Kubwa area of the FCT.

He died on Sunday.