The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of several key sponsors of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests, which have seen rioters hoisting foreign flags and calling for governmental change in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
During a joint media briefing, Egbetokun stated that the police had identified and apprehended the financial backers of the riots, some of whom reside abroad. The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, confirmed that these sponsors have been placed on a watchlist to ensure their arrest upon entry into Nigeria.
Key Arrests and Security Measures
In Kano, the state police command, led by CP Salman Garba, arrested six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including a tailor found sewing Russian flags. The detainees have been transferred to the Force Headquarters due to the charges of sedition and national security concerns.
The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, reported that the accounts funding the protests have been blocked, and the identities of these sponsors will be made public soon. Service chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, warned that the military would not permit the country to descend into anarchy.
Protests in Rivers State and Other Regions
In Port Harcourt, protests intensified as demonstrators blocked major roads, including the East-West Road, and marched to the private residence of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Police restricted the protests to designated areas to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
In contrast, Abuja and Lagos remained calm, and the Kaduna state government’s curfew brought relative peace to the city.
Government and Security Response
The security agencies’ coordinated efforts have led to numerous arrests and a significant reduction in protest activities. In Kano, Governor Abba Yusuf relaxed the 24-hour curfew to 12 hours daily to allow residents to conduct their business, with the curfew resuming from 6 pm to 6 am.
In Abuja, protests dwindled significantly, with only a small group of demonstrators continuing their sit-out at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
Conclusion
The Nigerian authorities have responded with stringent measures to control the protests, arresting key figures and disrupting the funding sources. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing efforts to maintain peace and prevent further escalation.
