By Idris Ibrahim
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it arrested 400 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, following a violent procession in the city centre.
Police added that 31 bottles of petrol bombs and ‘dangerous weapons’ were recovered from some of the Shiite members arrested at different locations within the FCT metropolis.
The Commissioner of police, Bala Ciroma made the disclosure, Tuesday, during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja.
The IMN members in their series of procession in Abuja, clashed with security operatives demanding the release of it leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzakky who has been in detention since 2015.
Police chief alleged that the IMN members are planning to attack and cause mayhem in FCT as he reassures residents of adequate security.
“While reassuring FCT residents of adequate security, I want to also bring to your knowledge that a total of Four hundred (400) members of the El-Zakzaky Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) who participated in the violent protest of today are currently being detained for discreet investigation; dangerous weapons were also recovered from them.
“In furtherance with its continuous effort to provide residents of the Federal Capital Territory with adequate security, protect lives and property and prevent any breakdown of law and order has intercepted and arrested some members of the El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement of Nigeria with thirty-one bottles of petrol bomb and other dangerous weapons being ferried into FCT by their members to cause mayhem and attack innocent citizens including law enforcement agents deployed to protect lives and property,” the Police chief said.
Mr. Ciroma also noted that the protesting Shiites members destroyed and burnt down one of it operational vehicle.
“It is also unfortunate to inform you that members of this group during a violent protest, today, 30th October, 2018 without any provocation went on rampage and burnt down a Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle deployed at Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent. Some arrests have however been made and investigation is in progress,” Mr. Ciroma said.
