The police command in Yobe says it arrested 18 suspects in connection with Thursday’s violent protest and vandalism in Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua towns.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in an interview on Friday in Damaturu.

He said the suspects hid under the guise of peaceful protest, torched public buildings and stole food items and empowerment equipment.

According to him, suspects will be prosecuted upon completion of the investigation.

Mr Abdulkarim said police commissioner Garba Ahmed had warned hoodlums against destroying government assets in any part of the state.

The spokesman reiterated the command’s readiness to enforce the dusk-to-dawn curfew, earlier imposed on the affected towns to maintain law and order.

“While recognising the right to peaceful assembly, the command stresses that this right is not absolute and must not infringe on the rights of others.

“Any criminal acts will be met with firm resistance. The command reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order, warning against violent protests that could lead to social and economic chaos,” he said.

The spokesman called on communities in the state to collaborate with the police to prevent miscreants from causing further mayhem.

(NAN)