EXTRA: Operatives watch as protesters swam armoured vehicle in Kaduna

The Kaduna police command says some protesters overran an armoured personnel carrier (APC) carrying live ammunition during the #EndBadGovernance protest in the Tudun Wada area of the state.

The 10-day nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest commenced on August 1.

In a statement on Monday, Mansur Hassan, police spokesperson in Kaduna, said contrary to a video being circulated, the protesters did not hijack the armoured vehicle from the operatives during the demonstration on Monday.

“The Kaduna state police command wishes to address the recent video circulating on social media, alleging that an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) was hijacked by protesters,” the statement reads.

“The Command wishes to debunk this rumour and provide the public with the correct details of the incident.

“The video in question depicts a situation where the driver of the APC was confronted by a large group of protesters. In the face of escalating tension, the driver made a professional and commendable decision to avoid the use of live ammunition.

“Instead, he employed a tactical manoeuvre to safely escape the scene, ensuring the safety of both the protesters and the officers involved.

“It is important to stress that at no point was the APC hijacked by hoodlums. The vehicle and its personnel remained under the control of the Kaduna state police command throughout the incident.”

Speaking with TheCable on the alleged vandalism in the state, Hassan said some hoodlums disguised as protesters also attacked a bank in the same area.

He said the hoodlums vandalised the building, destroyed several cars, and stole some motorcycles parked within the bank premises.

He said the security patrol vehicle belonging to the Kaduna Vigilance Service in the Rigasa area of the metropolis was set ablaze.

The police spokesperson added that the Zaria office of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA) was also burnt down by the hoodlums.

Meanwhile, the police have said the ongoing protest against the rising cost of living has been hijacked by hoodlums with “faceless sponsors” to unleash havoc in the state.

On August 2, the police apprehended “24 miscreants” for attempting to hijack the protest in the state.