Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said “the police have been placed on high alert and may seek assistance from the military after protests turned violent in some cities”.
Some major cities, including the capital Abuja and Kano in the north, were reported to have seen clashes between police and protesters and looting on Thursday, leaving at least three people dead. However, the cities appeared calm early Friday morning, with protests expected to continue.
Egbetokun said “The police are fully mobilized and ready to respond swiftly to any further threats to public safety and order,”.
he added “In view of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on high alert. The police are equipped to respond appropriately to the evolving situation and will be assisted by other security agencies, including the military, if needed,”.
The protests come amid public anger over economic reforms by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu that have led to soaring inflation and a weakening currency, making life even harder for citizens.
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