The police command in Jigawa says it has arrested 212 suspects in connection with looting, destruction, and vandalism of properties in the state in the ongoing nationwide protest.

Police commissioner Ahmadu Abdullahi disclosed this when he briefed journalists on measures being taken by the command to restore law and order.

Mr Abdullahi said 72 of those arrested have already been charged. He announced that the command recovered 303 bags of fertilizer, 50 motorcycles, three tricycles, 12 bicycles, nine chairs, 54 mosquito net cartons, two rice bags, and office furniture.

He recalled that in anticipation of the planned protest, a series of proactive measures were taken by security agencies to prevent violence and protect lives and properties.

He listed the measures taken to include surveillance, deployment of additional security personnel to potential hotspots, engagement with critical stakeholders, and monitoring social media platforms.

He stated that the other measures were to monitor the activities of community leaders and influencers and expand all-encompassing town hall meetings organised by the state government.

However, Mr Abdullahi lamented that despite the efforts, some unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements were bent on destabilising with the state.

The police chief stated that the unscrupulous engaged teenagers to unleash violence and destroy public properties, especially at palliative shops Yalwawa, Shuwarin, and Government House, Dutse.

He said, “The teenagers have shown unruly behaviour by refusing to listen to our appeals. They have ignored warnings and pleas to desist from violence and instead chose to engage in destructive behaviour. Their actions have resulted in widespread destruction of government properties and disruption of economic activities in the state.

“When all appeals failed, the security agencies were left with no option other than to use minimum force to disperse the violent protesters. However, the violent protest spread to some local government areas, such as Hadejia, Birninkudu, Gumel, Kazaure, and Babura. To address the situation, additional personnel and equipment had to be deployed to the affected areas.”

According to him, based on the security advice and wider consultations with heads of security agencies, the state government declared a 24-hour curfew across the state on August 1.

The curfew was aimed at curtailing the spread of violence and ensuring the protection of the lives and properties of law-abiding citizens. The police commissioner also warned that anyone or group of persons found engaging in activities likely to disrupt the peace in the state would be dealt with accordingly.

“I must also appreciate the cooperation, synergy, and collaboration by other sister agencies in our efforts to maintain law and order. Their professionalism and dedication are highly commendable.

“We appreciate all the law-abiding citizens of the state for their understanding, prayers, support, encouragement, and cooperation. Be assured that the security agencies will continue to remain committed to providing a safer and more secure environment for everyone to live in peace,” said the police chief.

(NAN)