The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has placed all Zonal Commanders, Heads of Formations and state commandants across the 36 States and the FCT on red alert.
CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC National Headquarters Abuja, in a statement on Friday, said this action followed the ongoing Peaceful Nationwide Protests, which have turned bloody and violent as reported in some states of the federation.
According to him, the NSCDC Boss, who led a team of operatives to monitor the protests last night in Abuja, expressed concern about the attacks on security agencies deployed to protect government infrastructure and the civilian populace.
He noted that several warnings were issued to so-called peaceful protesters about the need to shun all acts of violence, vandalism, destruction, and looting of both public and private property. These issues have occurred in some areas where protests and demonstrations took place recently.
Audi decried the situation, observing that many agitators and organizers of the protests were apparently absent, allowing unscrupulous elements to carry out their sinister intentions.
“It is very lamentable that there were incidents of fierce attacks on security operatives and wanton destruction of property in Kaduna, Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and many other states. Officers and men were injured, and an NSCDC operational vehicle was set ablaze in Katsina,” he said.
The Commandant General further reported that 32 suspects were arrested by NSCDC personnel at Sabo Gari, Bata France Road, and Murtala Mohammed Way in Kano. He said the operatives swiftly intervened while outnumbered protesters were attempting to cart away goods worth thousands of naira.
“While the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest kicked off on August 1, our men, who had been briefed on the need to safeguard all critical national assets and infrastructure, did not hesitate to ensure that 32 suspects were apprehended for vandalism, looting, and destruction of property. They will be properly investigated, and legal actions will be appropriately taken,” he said.
“Representing the NSCDC helmsman on Day 2 of the protest, the Acting DCG Operations, Phillip Ayuba, has reiterated the marching orders of the Commandant General, charging the officers and men to ensure civility and professionalism in dealing with the peaceful protesters,” it said.
He also noted that security agencies will not tolerate any act of violence or destruction of government facilities. Those who dare to do so will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Violent protest: NSCDC CG places all formations on red alert, arrests 32 suspects