Security agencies have identified and blocked sources of external funding for the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced this at a joint press briefing hosted by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Egbetokun assured that the police are carefully managing the crisis without deploying water cannons or rubber bullets. He clarified that the police did not shoot an innocent protester in Kubwa, Abuja, and stated, “Nobody fired gunshots and we didn’t use force. In the midst of the protest, we arrested criminals who stole and committed other offenses.”
General Musa emphasized that the military and security agencies are targeting those behind calls for undemocratic government changes, noting that some protesters are sponsored. “We are fully committed to Nigeria, we love the country, and we are duty-bound to protect it,” he said, urging Nigerians to collaborate with security forces to maintain peace and stability.
Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja highlighted the army’s focus on maintaining peace and security while combating terrorism and banditry. He reassured that operational commitments remain strong, with troops continuing patrols and ambushes against insurgents.
Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla emphasized the Navy’s collaboration with other security agencies to ensure maritime safety and security. He noted that operations in the Niger Delta have increased oil output and boosted revenue.
Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to successful military operations and defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
Comptroller-General of Immigration Services Kemi Nandap announced that sponsors of the protests are on a watchlist and will be arrested upon entering Nigeria. She added that more officers have been deployed to borders and airports to prevent foreign intervention.
Comptroller-General of Customs Service Bashir Adeniyi announced the upcoming implementation of tax waivers on imported food items and pharmaceuticals to reduce prices and combat inflation. He explained that the delay was due to the need for meticulous implementation guidelines from the Ministry of Finance, assuring that these guidelines would be ready within a week.
Department of State Service (DSS) spokesman Dr. Peter Afunanya revealed that some sponsors of the protests have been arrested and their identities will be disclosed soon, urging Nigerians to remain patient.
