The Police Command in Yobe says it has arrested18 suspects in connection with Thursday’s violent protest and vandalism in Nguru, Potiskum, and Gashua towns.

DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the command’s spokesman, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Damaturu.

He stated that the suspects, masquerading as peaceful protesters, had set fire to public buildings and stolen food items and empowerment equipment. He said the suspects will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.

Abdulkarim noted that the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, had cautioned against the destruction of government assets in any part of the state.

The spokesman reiterated the command’s readiness to enforce the dusk-to-dawn curfew, which was earlier imposed on the affected towns to maintain law and order.

“While recognising the right to peaceful assembly, the command stresses that this right is not absolute and must not infringe on the rights of others. Any criminal acts will be met with firm resistance.

“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order and warns against violent protests that could lead to social and economic chaos,” he said.

The spokesman urged communities in the state to collaborate with the police to prevent further mayhem caused by miscreants.