The Jigawa State Police Command has apprehended 212 individuals suspected of looting and vandalizing public property during the recent EndBadGovernance protest.
The arrest was announced by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Tijjani Abdullahi, who addressed the media regarding the ongoing security situation in the state.
According to Commissioner Abdullahi, 74 of the arrested suspects have already been charged in court. The police have been working diligently with other security agencies to restore law and order across Jigawa State, and their efforts have yielded significant results.
The police have recovered a range of stolen items, including 50 motorcycles, three tricycles, 12 bicycles, and nine chairs. Additionally, other recovered goods include 303 bags of fertilizer, 54 cartons of mosquito nets, two bags of rice, and various office furniture.
In anticipation of the protest, the Jigawa State Police had implemented several proactive measures to prevent violence and safeguard lives and property. These measures included intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, and the deployment of additional security personnel to potential hotspots.
The police also engaged with key stakeholders such as pressure groups, local hotels, council of Ulamas, youth groups, and members of various unions to mitigate unrest.
Despite these preparations, violence erupted on the first day of the protest. Some individuals, including teenagers, engaged in destructive behavior, particularly targeting palliative shops in Yalwawa, Shuwarin, and the Government House in Dutse metropolitan. The destructive actions led to significant damage to government property and disruption of economic activities.
In response to the escalating violence, the police were forced to use minimal force to disperse the rioters. The unrest spread to other local government areas, including Hadejia, B/Kudu, Gumel, Kazaure, and Babura. To curb the violence and protect law-abiding citizens, the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew on August 1, 2024.
Commissioner Abdullahi reported that there has been substantial compliance with the curfew, which aims to restore peace and stability while allowing security agencies to manage the situation more effectively.
The Commissioner urged anyone involved in activities likely to disturb the peace to cease immediately, warning that violators would be dealt with according to the law. The curfew and other security measures are designed to ensure the safety of all residents and to prevent further destruction.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Jigawa State Police Command remains committed to restoring order and addressing the challenges posed by the recent unrest.
