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Seven Lives Lost, 681 Arrests Made, Billions in Damages
The Nigeria Police Force has released what it tagged “record of incidents” on the ongoing protest against bad governance in Nigeria.
The police report reveals that seven individuals lost their lives during the protests, contrary to Amnesty International’s claim of thirteen.
The report was published by the Police Public Relations Officer, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi via his X handle @Princemoye1
Borno State Terrorist Attack
In Borno State, four individuals were killed and thirty-four severely injured when suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP elements detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) amidst protesters.
Additionally, two civilians were killed when an unregistered Honda Prelude car ran into protesters. The driver fled the scene, but the vehicle has been recovered and is in police custody.
Kebbi State Looting Incident
In Kebbi State, one suspected looter was shot and killed by a local vigilante during an attempted looting of a shop. The incident is currently under investigation by the Commissioner of Police.
Arrests and Recoveries
The police have arrested 681 individuals for various criminal offenses, including armed robbery, arson, and destruction of property. Recoveries made from the suspects include: 2 AK-47 rifles, Assorted live ammunition, Stolen items worth billions of naira, including furniture, electronics, and vital infrastructures.
Kano, Kaduna
Media reports confirmed looting in Kano and crisis in Kaduna, within the first day of the protest. However, the police report was mute on these areas.
Police Restraint
According to the report, police officers were attacked and injured, in response teargas was used to disperse riotous crowds and effecting arrests without lethal weapons.
“The Nigeria Police personnel deployed to manage the protests have acted professionally, refraining from using lethal weapons. In instances where protesters became riotous, the police employed teargas to disperse them. Even when our officers on lawful duty were attacked and injured, the police effected arrests using only teargas, demonstrating utmost restraint.”
However, the report fails to identify the locations where police were attacked.
Injuries and Fatalities
The report confirmed that Nine police officers sustained injuries during attacks by protesters, with one initially reported dead, in a dramatic turn, now in critical condition.
The police emphasize that protest organizers and peaceful protesters were not arrested, and those in custody are under investigation for clear connections to criminal activities.
