We have blocked external funding for protesters – IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that police and security agencies have identified and blocked sources of external funding for violent protests in Nigeria.

Egbetokun made this statement during a joint press briefing hosted by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters today.

According to the IGP, the police were careful in managing the crisis and did not deploy water cannons or rubber bullets.

The police chief hinted that the shooting of an innocent protester in Kubwa, Abuja, was not the work of police operatives. He noted that the shooting might have been carried out by robbers or armed hoodlums.

He 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.”

The CDS, General Musa, noted that their constant briefing of the media demonstrates their respect and love for the country and their commitment to their task. “The only people we are after are the enemies of the state who should be ready to face the law. We will not relent in pursuing those who continue to encourage subversions. We remain professional and the men on the field will remain professional as well,” he said.

DSS spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, told newsmen that some sponsors of the foreign flags protest have been arrested. He urged Nigerians to be patient, as their identities would soon be disclosed.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, said that long before the protest, the Nigerian Army had deployed troops due to security challenges across Nigeria.

He assured that the army stands firm in support of Nigerian democracy, peace, and harmony, and will not shift ground on that. He appealed to youths to desist from violence, stating that the act is needless.

“The Nigerian Army will not watch the country slide into anarchy. We will continue to partner with other security agencies in maintaining peace and stability,” Lagbaja said.

Immigration boss, Kemi Nandap, noted that some Nigerians abroad, identified as being behind the violent protests, have been placed on the Immigration watch list.

According to her, much is ongoing to profile immigrants coming in and out of the country to ensure the security of citizens.