The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has yesterday reacted over the continued widespread violence staged by the protesting youth in Nigeria over prolonged police brutality.

Following the EndSARS protest going on in some states across the nation, the Presidency has today appealed to citizens to eschew violence as the Federal Government is working towards police reform.

The Department of States Services (DSS) has slammed the rumours making rounds on social media that its personnel were seen aiding hoodlums to attack End SARS protesters in Abuja.

Following the nationwide protest that has been staged by Nigerian youths, calling the government to address police brutality, extortion among others, a coalition of Civil Society Organisation has on Sunday cautioned the Federal Government to prevail on the Nigerian Army in a bid to suspend the planned “Operation Crocodile Smile VI”. This comes after another Coalition of Labour and Civil Society groups cautioned the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Col. Tukur Buratai against the deployment of the military to go after the #EndSARS protesters in order to avoid a bloody clash.

The Nigerian Army has announced it will commence Exercise Crocodile Smile VI, on Tuesday, October 20. Exercise Crocodile Smile VI, is usually conducted annually to checkmate the activities criminals across the country during the ember months, but this time with a special interest in the cyberspace. It intends to incorporate among other things a cyber-warfare operation, which the army said is “designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda on the social media and across the cyberspace.” This development came to light on a day that protesting youths in Lagos, Abuja and other states across the country became strident in their outcry against poor handling of affairs by the federal government. The Army indicated that Exercise Crocodile Smile VI, would run from October 20 to December 31, and that it will include counter negative propaganda by criminal gangs and groups in social media and across the cyberspace.

Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has yesterday apologized to the youths protesting against brutality and extortion by operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country. Osinbajo who issued a statement last night revealed that the government has already swung into action that will squarely address the police problem in the land that was long overdue, especially their training, welfare, and condition of service.