In a significant development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the arrest of the real sponsors of rioters who hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government. The arrests include six Spanish nationals and 76 others in Kano, including a tailor sewing Russian flags.
The Comptroller-General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, has also disclosed that diaspora sponsors of protesters have been placed on a watchlist and will be arrested upon arrival in the country.
Meanwhile, security chiefs have warned against anarchy, with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, stating that the military will not stand idly by and watch the country slide into chaos.
Protests continue across the country, with protesters in Port Harcourt blocking the East-West road and marching to Minister Nyesom Wike’s private residence. Calm has returned to Kaduna as soldiers and security operatives enforce a 24-hour curfew, while the Kano State Governor has relaxed the curfew for 12 hours daily.
However, government restrictions have taken a toll on protesters in Abuja, with only two women seen holding a sit-out at Moshood Abiola stadium.