“You see deployments including every deployment at the three arm zone of the country. Three arm zone harbours the heartbeat of this country; where we can say is the capital of Nigeria, where we have the judiciary, the legislative, and of course the Villa…
On Monday, the Nigerian Police Force announced that it had detained thirty-one people for allegedly committing “treason” by printing and distributing Russian flags and inciting chaos.
According to ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, 30 people were detained in Kaduna and one person—who was soliciting volunteers to distribute flags—was detained in Kano.
Adejobi added that as of today, Monday, there have been 873 arrests in relation to the #Endbadgovernance protest—an increase from 861 over the previous weekend—by “criminal elements, rioters” rather than protestors.
He made his remarks at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters at a joint press briefing with representatives from security and response organizations.
Adejobi said, “What we are having in the country right now are protests, demonstrations, and riots.
“Those arrested are rioters, armed robbers, looters and criminal elements. Arrest of criminal elements should not be described as arrest of protesters.
“Those arrested so far across the country are criminally-minded persons, looters engaged in criminal offences such as vandalization and destruction of public and critical infrastructure.
“So we should use the appropriate description for them — they are not protesters.
Speaking on allegations of using live bullets against the protesters as alleged at the MKO Abiola Stadium, ACP Adejoba said the Police and sister security agencies have operated in line with rules of engagement while managing the protest.
He said “Using tear gas against protesters when they resort to violence is allowed anywhere in the world.
“We have reiterated that we will not fold our hands to see violence again.
“In some states protesters have been so violent; up to the extent they attempted to break into government house and offices here.”
Continuing he said misuse of words is the greatest cause of errors.
“We need to use our words contextually this time around. I know we are aware that we are having protests in Nigeria.
“At the same time, we are aware we have riots in some states in Nigeria. So arrests of certain individuals who have been riotous should not be seen as the arrest of protesters. Let us get it clear.
“There are some states in Nigeria they have been having peaceful protests. Security agencies have been engaging them in some states.
“I’m sure, and I know you are aware, that some governors and public office holders have been engaging them. You can only engage a gathering, an assembly, that is friendly and accessible.
“Where you have individuals wielding stones, offensive weapons, dangerous weapons and all the likes; I don’t think a reasonable man will move close or be in the middle of such a gathering,” he noted.
On tear gas canisters fired at National Stadium: “The is the Federal Capital Territory, the heartbeat of our own great nation.
“Based on the court ruling the FCT Police CP asked them to use Mashood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Not the Umaru Yar’adua Expressway which cater to traffic from the Airport Road, City Gate, City Centre etc
“So I think we need to get things right. The venue is Mashood Kashimawo Abiola Stadium in Abuja. So if you see any individual on this expressway, I think that person has deliberately and willfully violated the agreement or the court ruling.
“We need to be law-abiding in this country. We need to obey rule of law in this country. Our presence is not to harass anybody, not to intimidate anybody, but for us to protect our national assets.
“You see deployments including every deployment at the three arm zone of the country. Three arm zone harbours the heartbeat of this country; where we can say is the capital of Nigeria, where we have the judiciary, the legislative, and of course the Villa.
“Eagle Square is opposite and, of course, located at the same area. I’m sure you know it also harbours the Remembrance Arcade, where we always honour our fallen heroes.
“These are critical assets to us in Nigeria and we value them so much. We don’t want certain individuals to vandalize or cause any destruction.
“You agree with me that in some areas in Abuja we recorded riots and this protest was violent. I know you know kubwa, you know Maraba axis, where property were destroyed and some set ablaze.
“Anywhere we have these violent engagements, I don’t think we should refer to such an assembly or a gathering or a procession as peaceful anymore.
“I want to confirm again that those that have been arrested so far, to the best, best of my knowledge and with the records I have from all the states, are criminally minded individuals.
“They went out and actually engaged in various criminal offences ranging from armed, robbery, homicide, mischief, or the one we call malicious damage, massive destruction of private and public facilities owners and in pains, as I speak with you.
“So I don’t want us to use the word protesters for those who are actually. To the best of our knowledge and based on our findings, they are rioters and of course, criminally minded individuals.