End SARS: Desist now - Nigerian Army warns trouble makers

The Nigerian army has sent a strong worded message to members of the public who it describes as "subversive elements and trouble makers" amid ongoing protest against police brutality and call for good governance.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 14, by its Director of Public Relations, Sagir Musa, the force expressed its commitment to "defend the country and her democracy at all cost."

Musa said as a law-abiding institution, the Nigerian Army also pledged its "unalloyed loyalty and commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari" as the commander in chief and the Nigerian leader.

He said the force would not allow some "anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity" to jeopardise the peace of the country under any disguise.

Sagir warned those he called "trouble makers" to desist from what may lead to the breakdown of laws and order in the country.

Part of the statement read:

"The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defending the country and her democracy at all cost. "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."

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo has confirmed that he lost his driver as a result of the #EndSARS protest and the counter-attack by hoodlums in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a tweet, Thursday, October 15, he wrote that the driver, Yohanna Shankuk was crushed by a vehicle which drove against the run of traffic, in a bid to avoid the hoodlum PRO-SARS, attacking peaceful #EndSARS protesters.

“I regret to announce that my driver, Mr. Yohanna Shankuk, died yesterday in Abuja as a result of the protests”, Keyamo stated.