Security operatives, suspected hoodlums clash in Abuja

Security operatives clashed with suspected hoodlums along airport road in the federal capital territory (FCT).

The clash in the Lugbe area occurred on Thursday night, as a protest against economic hardship engulfs Nigeria.

In videos shared online, suspected thugs were seen erecting bonfires to prevent motorists from plying the highway.

They ran in different directions as security agencies shot sporadically to disperse them.

The shooting continued for about two hours.

The situation led to panic, with many residents running to their homes in fear. Most streets and shops in the area had been shuttered as early as 6pm over the protest.

Areas affected by the pandemonium include Federal Housing Junction, Berger, Car Wash Junction, and Police Signboard Junction.

The #EndBadGovernance protest turned violent in certain northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism the order of the day in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Yobe.

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), said the police may lean on other security agencies — including the military — if the protest escalates.

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”.