The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has announced the arrest of seven suspected miscreants in connection with last Thursday’s fuel hike protest by commercial vehicle operators in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Kwara Command Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael, the suspects were allegedly involved in unlawful and violent acts during the protest. Michael further explained that the suspects were part of a group of 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 Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Umar Mohammed, has assured the people of Kwara State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public order.
He emphasized that the NSCDC will continue to take decisive action against any individuals or groups involved in criminal activities that pose a threat to the state’s safety and security.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ayoola Michael, the arrested suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
