The Rivers State Police Command has issued a stern warning to hoodlums in the guise of #EndBadGovernance protesters, who have turned violent, vowing to arrest and prosecute anyone found breaking the law.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko addressed the issue on Nigeria Info FM’s Hard Facts, highlighting that the initially peaceful protest had been hijacked by hoodlums.
“The protest has been hijacked, people have already infiltrated into this protest,” Iringe-Koko said.
When asked about the continuation of protests amidst reports of extortion, vehicle destruction, and harassment of business owners, she clarified the command’s stance of not being against the protests but noted it must be done peacefully within designated areas, as the command will not tolerate any criminality or breakdown of law and order.
Iringe-Koko further noted that the current actions of the hoodlums seem to be aimed at provoking the police.
“They are trying to provoke the police and they are trying to do things that are not in accordance to the law of protests,” she said.
The command called on residents to report any criminal activities linked to the protests to the Rivers State Police Control Room on 08098880134 and made it clear that they were prepared to take decisive action against those involved in illegal activities.
“Anyone that wants to become violent in these protests, we’re going to arrest them,” Iringe-Koko warned.
Watch here: