The FCT police command has advised journalists covering the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship to wear attire that clearly identifies them with their respective media organizations to avoid being mistaken for protesters.
Some Nigerians had organized a 10-day nationwide protest against what they termed bad governance, taking to the streets on Thursday to press their demands.
On Saturday, the third day of the demonstration, protesters in Abuja returned to the streets and gathered at Moshood Abiola Stadium, carrying flags and placards.
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However, police officers stationed at the stadium, which served as the protest venue, fired into the air, released teargas, and dispersed the protesters. Masked operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were also present at the stadium in seven vehicles.
As police arrested those on the ground, other operatives fired at protesters and journalists, forcing them to flee for cover. Bullets even struck a vehicle transporting journalists away from the location.
In a brief statement on Sunday night, SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, had instructed her to advise journalists covering the protests to carry valid identification.
