Nigerian police are on high alert and may call on the military for assistance as protests against rising living costs and governance issues have turned violent.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that all police units are on red alert and ready to respond to threats, with potential military support if necessary.
Recent clashes have resulted in at least three deaths in Kaduna state, with Amnesty International reporting a total of 13 fatalities across three northern states.
The Nigerian authorities have not yet confirmed these figures.
Protests, inspired by similar movements in Kenya and organized under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, have sparked widespread unrest over President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.
These reforms, aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic issues, have led to increased hardship for many citizens.
Major cities like Abuja and Kano were relatively calm on Friday, but further demonstrations are anticipated. In response to the unrest, some states have imposed curfews. The police have used tear gas but deny using live ammunition. President Tinubu has defended the reforms, asserting that they are necessary for Nigeria’s long-term economic growth despite the current pain.
