The Kaduna State Police Command has announced the arrest of 39 individuals in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest on Monday.
According to a statement by Police Spokesperson Mansir Hassan, the detainees were found in possession of Russian and Chinese flags, and included a tailor suspected of manufacturing the flags.
Hassan stated that the arrested individuals were observed displaying the foreign flags during the protest and were also involved in the vandalism of both private and public properties.
“Among the damaged properties were a Hilux vehicle belonging to Kaduna State Vigilante Service (KADVS), a Toyota Yaris owned by a journalist, and the Zaria offices of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA), which was set on fire,” the statement reads.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to restore order.
“During the confrontation, the suspects became hostile and resorted to using stones, catapults, and other weapons. The police managed to calm the situation with the minimal use of tear gas.
“In total, 39 suspects were arrested at the scene, including a tailor who was sewing the foreign flags for the group.”
The police spokesperson said 38 Russian flags, one Chinese flag, two catapults with a bag of stones, and various vandalised items were recovered from the suspects.
He added that Audu Ali Dabigi, the commissioner of police in Kaduna, commended the operatives for their efforts and urged the residents to obey the 24-hour curfew.
He warned that violators will be arrested and prosecuted under the law, while appealing to citizens to cooperate with the police and other security agencies during this critical period.
“The curfew is in place to protect lives and property and ensure the swift restoration of peace in Kaduna state,” Hassan quoted the commissioner as saying.
