The Police Command in Yobe State has reported the arrest of 18 individuals linked to violent protests and acts of vandalism that occurred on Thursday in the towns of Nguru, Potiskum, and Gashua.
In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria, Police spokesman DSP Dungus Abdulkarim detailed that these suspects, who allegedly posed as peaceful demonstrators, engaged in destructive behavior, including setting fire to public buildings and looting food and empowerment equipment.
The police indicated that these individuals would face charges in court following the completion of ongoing investigations.
Abdulkarim emphasized the importance of maintaining public order, stating that the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has issued a warning against the destruction of government property.
He reiterated the police's commitment to enforcing a dusk-to-dawn curfew that was previously imposed on the affected areas to restore and maintain law and order.
While acknowledging the citizens' right to peaceful assembly, the police explained that this right is not absolute and must not infringe upon the rights of others. Any criminal activities will be met with decisive action.
Abdulkarim called on community members to work collaboratively with law enforcement to prevent further incidents of violence and chaos instigated by a minority of individuals.
