Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), says the police may lean on other security agencies — including the military — if the nationwide protest against hunger escalates.
The protests turned violent in certain northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism the order of the day in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Yobe.
In Lagos and Abuja, police fired teargas at peaceful protesters.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Egbetokun said “the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert. Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order”.
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“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if the need arises,” he added.
The demonstrations have been labelled ’10 Days of Rage’ and #EndBadGovernance on social media.
Nigeria has been grappling with its worst cost of living crisis in decades since President Bola Tinubu ended the petrol subsidy regime and floated the nation’s currency in 2023.
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