The Katsina State Police Command in Nigeria has apprehended over fifty suspects in connection with the destruction and looting of government and public properties during Thursday’s nationwide protest.
In a statement, Katsina Police Command spokesman Abubakar Sadiq announced that efforts are being intensified to identify and arrest further individuals involved in the looting of private and public properties. He urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in unlawful acts, including violent protests, vandalism, and looting.
Sadiq emphasized the need for youth to exercise restraint and avoid being used as tools to perpetuate violence. The command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance with the curfew imposed across the state. The statement made it clear that violators of the curfew will face decisive action.
The general public was urged to cooperate with security agencies and remain indoors during curfew hours to maintain peace and order.
“Due to the current security concerns in light of the nationwide protests turning violent in some parts of the state, the Katsina State Police Command commenced enforcement of the Katsina State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area (LGA) and a 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state, effective immediately,” Sadiq stated.
The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma LGA is deemed necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties. The 7:00 pm to 7:00 am curfew in the rest of the state aims to prevent nocturnal criminal activities and maintain law and order.
The statement also addressed circulating rumors that police personnel used live ammunition against protesters, resulting in fatalities. “We assure the public that our officers exercised maximum restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters. There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports,” Sadiq added.
