Police in Nigeria have been placed on high alert and may seek military assistance following violent protests in several cities that resulted in at least three deaths, the Inspector General of Police announced.
Major cities, including the capital Abuja and Kano in the north, experienced clashes between police and demonstrators, along with looting on Thursday. Despite the early calm on Friday, further protests were anticipated.
Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun stated late Thursday that the police were fully mobilized and prepared to respond swiftly to any additional threats to public safety and order.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigeria Police Force has placed all units on red alert,” Egbetokun said. “The police are equipped to respond appropriately to the unfolding situation and will seek assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if necessary.”
The protests, inspired by youth-led movements in Kenya, have been organized under the banner “#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria” and are set to continue for 10 days. Protesters are reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have led to rampant inflation, a weakened currency, and increasing hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
President Tinubu acknowledged the pain caused by the reforms but emphasized that they are essential for putting Nigeria’s economy on a path to sustainable growth.
Kano, one of Nigeria’s most populous and predominantly Muslim states, imposed a 24-hour curfew after protesters looted a shop and a government complex. Additionally, three other states have implemented curfews in certain areas.