The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced the arrest of several sponsors behind the recent riots in states including Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara. These rioters had hoisted foreign flags and called for a change of government. Egbetokun stated that both domestic and international funders of these activities have been tracked and their accounts blocked.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, revealed that some sponsors live abroad and have been placed on a watchlist, ensuring they will be arrested upon entry into Nigeria.
### Military Stance and Port Harcourt Protests
Service chiefs, including General Christopher Musa and Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, have warned that the military will not allow the country to slide into anarchy. Protests in Port Harcourt intensified with demonstrators blocking major roads and marching to the residence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. However, there was a thaw in Kano and Kaduna, where curfews were enforced, bringing about relative calm.
### Arrests and Curfews
The Kano State Police Commissioner, CP Salman Garba, reported the arrest of six Spanish nationals and 76 others, including a tailor sewing Russian flags. In Kaduna, the police arrested 39 individuals and recovered foreign flags. The curfews in these states have helped stabilize the situation, with Kano relaxing its curfew from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
### Abuja and Lagos Calm Amid Restrictions
Abuja and Lagos remained calm as government restrictions curbed the protests. In Abuja, demonstrators were confined to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, with reduced participation observed.
