Armed soldiers have been deployed to the streets of Abuja as the ongoing mass action against the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, is becoming bloody, following clashes between protesters and other hoodlums.
This is coming as the Nigerian Army had announced the commencement of its nationwide Operation Crocodile Smile on Tuesday to stem the rising tide of crisis across the country.
Although the army spokesman, Colonel Sagir Musa, had disassociated the Operation with the ongoing protest against the disbanded SARS, pointers reveal that the military might be preparing for the seeming breakdown of law and order during the protest.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that some armed soldiers were stationed around the popular AYA Roundabout where the protesters had planned to block on Monday.
The soldiers mounted barricades and were seen patrolling to ensure the flow of traffic.
Issuing a statement on Thursday, October 15, the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, restated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
According to him, its officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity.
The statement said: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law-abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.
“As a responsible and law-abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.”
The NA, therefore, warned all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts, saying: “The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.
“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity.”
