The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) reported that its officers arrested seven suspected miscreants during the fuel hike protest staged by commercial vehicle operators last Thursday in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Kwara Command, Ayoola Michael, revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in unlawful and violent activities during the protest.
Michael further stated that the individuals were among the hoodlums causing unrest in certain areas of Ilorin.
“On Thursday, September 5th 2024, one Olusegun Taiwo (F) of the Sango area, Ilorin, reported a case of criminal conspiracy and theft at the station office of the Nscdc Kwara State Command. She stated that while on her way to her office on a motorcycle, she was attacked by a group of youths, suspected to be hoodlums, who forcefully took her bag, phones, and other valuables.
“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Nscdc Kwara State Command arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful and violent conduct, as well as mischief, during a protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin on the same day.
“After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are part of the group of hoodlums responsible for terrorizing and causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly the Sango area.
“The protest was overtaken by hoodlums who exploited the situation, engaging in theft of personal belongings such as bags, phones, and other valuable items, which led to increased unrest in the Ilorin metropolis.
The NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, assured the people of Kwara State that the Command remains firmly committed to upholding public order and will continue to take decisive measures against any individual or groups involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the state”, the statement said.
Michael noted that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.