The Gombe State command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 111 individuals in connection with recent violent protests in the state.
The arrested individuals are accused of assaulting law enforcement personnel, vandalizing property, and stealing both public and private assets during the unrest.
The arrests were part of the police’s efforts to restore order and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
The Gombe State command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 111 individuals in connection with recent violent protests in the state.
These individuals are accused of assaulting law enforcement personnel, vandalizing property, looting, and the unauthorized display of foreign flags during the protests.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Usman, detailed the rising violence in the state, which resulted in serious injuries to officers and significant damage to police vehicles.
Nine of the arrested individuals were specifically charged with direct involvement in the assaults on police officers and the looting during the protests.
Significant incidents of vandalism were reported at several locations, including the Gombe State Revenue Recovery Tribunal, Bima Lodge, Gombe State Bureau of Public Service Reform, NITEL Company, and Blue-J Motors.
The police also detained 92 individuals in relation to acts of vandalism and theft, recovering some of the stolen items, though details on the extent of these recoveries were not disclosed.
On August 5, 2024, ten persons were taken into custody for displaying foreign flags during the demonstrations, which ASP Abdullahi characterized as a sign of disrespect towards national symbols and classified as a treasonous act under Nigerian law.
The police command emphasized its commitment to restoring peace, safeguarding lives and property, and upholding the rights of lawful protesters while addressing illegal activities.
CP Usman expressed appreciation for the cooperation of other security agencies and local communities in recovering looted assets and restoring order within the state.
The command urged residents to report any missing property to the police headquarters for verification and potential recovery.