The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested 32 people in Kano for vandalism during a nationwide protest against bad governance in the country.
The NSCDC has also placed all Zonal Commanders, Heads of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on red alert to prevent any security breaches during the protest.
According to a statement issued on Friday by NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, “Following the ongoing Peaceful Nationwide Protests, which have turned bloody and violent as reported in some states of the federation, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR, has placed all Zonal Commanders, Head of Formations, and State Commandants across the 36 States and FCT on red alert.”
“The NSCDC boss, who led a team of operatives to monitor the protests in Abuja last night, expressed concern about the attacks carried out by security agencies tasked with protecting government infrastructure and the civilian population.”
Audi was said to have noted that several warnings were issued to so-called peaceful protesters about the need to avoid all acts of violence, vandalism, destruction, and looting of both public and private property, among other things, which occurred in some countries where protests and demonstrations were held recently.
He condemned the entire process, claiming that the majority of protest agitators and organisers were absent, allowing unscrupulous elements to carry out their sinister intentions.
He stated, “It is very lamentable that there was an incidence of fierce attacks on security operatives and wanton destruction of properties in Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and many other states, just as officers and men were injured and an NSCDC operational vehicle was set ablaze in Katsina.”
The Commandant General also hinted that 32 suspects were apprehended by NSCDC personnel at Sabo Gari, Bata France Road, and Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano; he said the operatives intervened quickly while outnumbered protesters were carting away goods worth thousands of naira.
He stated, “While #End Bad Governance Nationwide Protesters began on August 1st, our men, who had previously been briefed on the importance of safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure across the board, did not hesitate to ensure that 32 suspects were apprehended for vandalism, looting, and property destruction.” They would be thoroughly investigated, and legal action would be taken accordingly.”
On Day 2 of the protest, Acting DCG Operations, Phillip Ayuba represented the NSCDC Helmsman and reiterated the Commandant General’s marching order, charging officers and men to maintain civility and professionalism when dealing with peaceful protesters.
He did, however, state that security agencies will not tolerate any acts of violence or destruction of government facilities, and those who do will be arrested and subjected to the full wrath of the law.”