The Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun has said the police may call for help from other security agencies, including the military, if the nationwide protest against hunger escalates.
This is coming after some hired hoodlums infiltrated and turned the peaceful protests chaotic in some Northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism recorded in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Yobe State.
Egbetokun during a press briefing said “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”.
Nigeria has been battling with its worst cost of living crisis in decades since President Bola Tinubu abruptly removed petrol subsidy and floated the nation’s currency in 2023.