Security Forces Make Significant Progress in Apprehending Riot Sponsors

In recent developments, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of sponsors responsible for instigating riots and hoisting foreign flags, demanding a change in the government. Collaborating with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the police have identified sponsors living abroad. Furthermore, the country's service chiefs, emphasizing their commitment to preventing anarchy, warned that the military will not remain passive. While protests in Port Harcourt intensify, there has been a slight improvement in Kano and Kaduna due to modified curfews. Authorities have also taken stringent measures to trace and block funds supporting the violence and subversion.

Speaking at a joint media briefing summoned by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that the police have successfully apprehended some of the actual sponsors behind the riots. These individuals were found to have hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government in states such as Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara. Additionally, the Nigerian Immigration Service, led by Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap, has identified sponsors residing abroad. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies and international partners, efforts are underway to bring these sponsors to justice.

Expressing their determination to prevent the country from descending into anarchy, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, made it clear that the military will not stand idly by. They emphasized that necessary measures will be taken to restore peace and stability within the nation. This statement reinforces the commitment of the security forces to protect the interests of the citizens and maintain law and order.

The protest in Port Harcourt has intensified, with protesters marching to the residence of Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and blocking major roads, including the East-West road. This development has caused significant disruptions to traffic in the area, aggravating the situation further. Efforts are underway to address the concerns of the protesters and initiate dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.

In Kano, the state government has modified its dusk-to-dawn curfew, now allowing movement between 6 am and 6 pm. Similarly, in Kaduna, the curfew imposed by the state government has led to a relative calm in the city. These measures aim to restore normalcy and alleviate tensions in these regions, while also ensuring the safety and security of residents.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted the success in tracking funders of the violence and subversion within and outside the country. Consequently, their accounts have been blocked, and the sources of funding have been cut off. This proactive approach to cutting off financial support aims to cripple the operations of riot sponsors and prevent further escalation of the crisis. Furthermore, Egbetokun stated that the police have been cautious in managing the situation, resorting to non-lethal means such as teargas rather than live or rubber bullets.

The recent arrests of riot sponsors, combined with the identification of sponsors living abroad, demonstrate the progress made by the Nigerian police. The commitment of the security forces to prevent anarchy and protect the country from further crisis is resolute. As protests continue in Port Harcourt, efforts to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions must be prioritized. Modified curfews in Kano and Kaduna have contributed to a relatively calm environment.