We’ve Blocked External Funding For Violent Protests In Nigeria – IGP
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that security agencies have successfully identified and blocked sources of external funding for violent protests in Nigeria.
Egbetokun made this statement on Tuesday, during a joint press briefing hosted by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, where top security officials addressed the recent protests and measures taken to maintain peace and stability.
According to the IGP, the police were careful in managing the crisis and did not deploy water cannons or rubber bullets.
The police chief hinted that the shooting of an innocent protester in Kubwa, Abuja, was not the work of security operatives. He noted that the shooting might have been carried out by robbers or armed hoodlums.
“Nobody fired gunshots and we didn’t use force. In the midst of the protest, we arrested criminals who stole and committed other offences”.
READ: Kano Police Arrest Suspected Sponsors Of Protests With Russian Flag
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasized the security agencies’ commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
“We will not allow any individual or group to undermine our democracy and national security. We are working tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who encourage subversions.”
Regarding the deployment of troops, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, assured, that “The Nigerian Army stands firm in support of Nigerian democracy, peace, and harmony. We will continue to work with other security agencies to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
On the arrest of protest sponsors, DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya revealed, “Some sponsors of the foreign flag protest have been arrested, and their identities will soon be disclosed. We will not tolerate any attempt to compromise our national security.”
Immigration boss, Kemi Nandep, noted that some Nigerians abroad, identified as being behind the violent protest, have been placed on the immigration watch list.
According to her, much is going on to profile criminals coming in and out of the country to ensure the security of citizens.
