Protest: Police Arrests 681 For Various Crime Offences

From Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

SAHEL ReportersNews: The Nigerian Police Force has disclosed tIn an effort to combat the trend of crimes and criminality, have arrested a total of six hundred and eighty-one (681) individuals who committed various criminal offenses such as armed robbery, arson, mischief, and destructions of both public and private property during protest.

I a statement signed on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in Abuja said, dangerous weapons, including two (2) AK-47 rifles and assorted live ammunition, were also recovered from the so-called protesters. 

Additionally, stolen items such as furniture, electronics, phones, other various shop items, and vital infrastructures worth billions of naira were recovered from the arrested persons. Contrary to circulating news, organizers of the protest or protesters were not arrested. 

He further said those in police custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities. 

According to the FPRO, nine (9) police officers sustained various degrees of injuries during attacks by protesters. One of them who initially was reported dead, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition. 

He noted that, the ongoing protest has obviously turned violent. "We therefore advise law abiding citizens taking part in the protest across the country to immediately withdraw from it. This advice becomes necessary in view of the violence that has characterized the protest in the last 2 days. It is reasonably expected that Peaceful protesters would have withdrawn from the protest that has turned violent 

"The Nigeria Police Force is committed to providing accurate information and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during these challenging times.

"It is essential to recognize that the strategic deployment by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, and the decisive clampdown on criminal elements exploiting the protests for unlawful activities, has been highly effective in quelling tension and curbing the violence and anarchy witnessed on the first day of the protests.

 

'During this challenging period, the Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to performing its lawful duties with professionalism, maintaining law and order, and preventing anarchy throughout the country. The Nigeria Police urges all citizens and residents to disregard unfounded and psychologically manipulative reports circulating about incidents during these protests".