The military has issued a warning to those taking advantage of the widespread demonstrations against hardship in the country to stop destroying lives and property.
During a news conference held in Abuja on the second day of protests over high living expenses and economic hardship, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the level of devastation witnessed on the first day of the demonstrations as “crazy.” He said that the Armed Forces would not stand by while the devastation and looting continued, adding that they would intervene. After a year in office, the Bola Tinubu administration has been working hard to stimulate the economy, according to the head of defence.
General Musa said that Nigeria’s economic woes and high cost of living are worldwide issues. He asked Nigerians to be patient and allow the administration to deal with the issues.
Meanwhile, the Kano command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 32 suspects in connection with shop looting in the Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government.
Corps Commandant Mohammad Falala informed journalists in a telephone interview that the suspects were apprehended in areas including Sabon Gari, Bata, France Road, and Murtala Mohammed Way.Additionally, NSCDC operatives, aided by concerned citizens, recovered stolen items from hoodlums at Gyadi Gyadi, Kano. These items, allegedly taken during protests at State Road and Iyaka Road, are now in the Corps’ custody. The commandant urged residents to provide reliable information to assist in identifying and apprehending all individuals involved in the looting of public and private properties.
He assured that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, would increase patrols in and around metropolitan local government areas to apprehend those responsible for the destructive activities during the protests. The commandant emphasized that legal action would be pursued against those found guilty once investigations were complete and called on residents to cooperate with security agencies to help restore peace and order in the state.
He said that the command had already commenced investigations into the case.
