CurrentReport Blog In response to recent nationwide protests, the Nigeria Police Force has clarified its stance on arrests made during the demonstrations. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the arrests were primarily targeted at individuals engaged in criminal activities rather than peaceful protesters.
Speaking at a monthly news conference organized by The Strategic Communication Inter-agency Policy Committee (SCIPC) and hosted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, Adejobi highlighted the distinction between peaceful protests and riots. He noted that while some states experienced orderly protests, others saw violent riots and criminal actions on the first day of the demonstrations.
Adejobi asserted, “Arrests of individuals involved in riotous behavior should not be misconstrued as arrests of all protesters.” He acknowledged that various states had managed peaceful protests, with security agencies actively engaging with participants and some governors and public officials also taking part in the dialogue.
He further explained that the police, military, and other security agencies acted professionally to maintain order. However, he criticized the violation of a court ruling by protesters in Abuja, who were restricted to the National Stadium’s main bowl. Adejobi stressed that the police presence was aimed at protecting national assets and maintaining security, not at intimidating or harassing individuals.
The police spokesperson also refuted claims that security forces attacked journalists covering the protests, stating that the aim was to prevent unauthorized gatherings. Additionally, Adejobi revealed that some individuals were apprehended for treasonable felonies and for displaying foreign flags within Nigerian territory.
The Nigeria Police Force continues to monitor the situation closely and uphold its commitment to ensuring public safety and order during the ongoing protests.
