Nigeria Abuja Police Chief Warns Against Protests Over Economic Hardship, Cites Infrastructure Risks

FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh urges Abuja residents to avoid planned protests over economic hardship, citing risks to new infrastructure. He underscores ongoing police efforts and recent successes, including arresting Alhaji Ashiru, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of General Uwen Harold Udokwerre.

In response to planned protests against economic hardship in Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, has urged Abuja residents not to participate. Igweh expressed concern that the demonstrations could lead to the destruction of newly established infrastructure in the capital.

The commissioner highlighted the police force's efforts to maintain security in Abuja, including operations in neighboring states to apprehend criminals. He emphasized the sacrifices made by officers, noting recent casualties in the line of duty.

Igweh appealed to residents' sense of civic responsibility, asking them to appreciate the ongoing development projects initiated by the FCT administration and President Bola Tinubu. He warned against allowing outside agitators to disrupt the city's progress.

In a separate development, the FCT police announced the arrest of the alleged mastermind behind the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwen Harold Udokwerre. The suspect, identified as Alhaji Ashiru, was apprehended in Kano while reportedly attempting to flee the country. Police recovered items belonging to the late general, including his firearm and personal effects.

Commissioner Igweh revealed that Ashiru, a previous convict who had escaped during a prison break, coordinated the attack on General Udokwerre from a nearby hotel. The police also seized illegal substances allegedly used by the criminals.

Additionally, the FCT police paraded members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang, recovering weapons and stolen goods. The commissioner presented evidence of cable theft from government institutions, demonstrating the range of criminal activities being addressed in the capital.

As tensions rise over economic conditions, the FCT police continue to grapple with various security challenges while appealing for public cooperation to maintain order in Abuja.