I-GP Kayode Egbetokun.
The police may join forces with other security agencies, including the military, should the nationwide protest against hunger escalate, Inspector-General of Police (I-GP) Kayode Egbetokun has said.
The protests turned violent in certain northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism the order of the day in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Yobe.
In Lagos and Abuja, police fired teargas at peaceful protesters.
Said Egbetokun during a press briefing on Thursday: “The Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert.
“Our officers are fully mobilised and prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to public safety and order.
“The Police is equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will get assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if the need arises”.
The protests have been labelled ’10 Days of Rage’ and #EndBadGovernance on social media. Nigeria has been grappling with its worst cost of living crisis in decades since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ended the petrol subsidy regime and floated the nation’s currency in 2023.
