The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced yesterday that the police have apprehended key sponsors of the recent protests calling for a change of government in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara. These protests featured rioters hoisting foreign flags.
During a joint media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Egbetokun revealed that funders of the unrest, both domestic and international, have been identified and their financial channels blocked. The police have managed the situation without resorting to excessive force, using only teargas where necessary.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, reported the arrest of six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including a tailor who was sewing Russian flags. These individuals have been transferred to Force Headquarters due to the seditious nature of their activities.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, disclosed that diaspora sponsors of the protests have been placed on a watchlist and will be apprehended upon entry into Nigeria.
Service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, emphasized that the military will not allow the country to descend into chaos. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and order.
**Protests Intensify in Port Harcourt, Curfews Imposed in Kano and Kaduna**
In Port Harcourt, protests escalated with demonstrators blocking major roads, including the East-West Road, and marching to the private residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Despite President Bola Tinubu’s appeal to end the protests, demonstrators continued, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response.
In Kano, the state government modified its curfew to run from 6 pm to 6 am, allowing residents to carry out their daily activities during the day. Governor Abba Yusuf praised security agencies for their efforts in recovering looted properties.
Kaduna also saw a return to calm following a 24-hour curfew. The police arrested 39 suspects involved in the protests, including a tailor sewing Russian flags. The Commissioner of Police, Audu Ali Dabigi, urged residents to comply with the curfew to ensure safety and order.
**Dwindling Protests in Abuja**
Protests in Abuja have significantly diminished due to government restrictions, with only a few demonstrators continuing a sit-out at the Moshood Abiola stadium. Organizers criticized the government’s response and vowed to persist until their demands are met. The protests, now in their sixth day, have seen violent clashes with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
