Police in Nigeria’s Delta State said they arrested 43 people and recovered dozens of vehicles after quelling violent disturbances that disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations in parts of Asaba, the state capital.
The Delta State Police Command said the unrest broke out shortly after midnight on Jan. 1, when hoodlums and criminal elements attempted to exploit the festivities.
In a statement on Thursday, police spokesperson Bright Edafe said operatives, led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, were on township patrol with divisional police officers and tactical units to secure residents and commuters.
He said suspects blocked major roads, staged illegal car races and engaged in reckless driving, knocking down some commuters, throwing fireworks at members of the public and causing widespread disturbance.
“The situation escalated when the hoodlums attacked police patrol teams with stones and other dangerous objects and set tyres ablaze at key junctions, obstructing movement, particularly for worshippers returning from New Year church services,” Edafe said.
Police deployed crowd-control measures to disperse the groups and restore order, he added.
Authorities said 25 vehicles, eight tricycles, fireworks, hard drugs and other offensive weapons were recovered during the operation. The suspects are in custody and investigations are ongoing, police said, adding that those found culpable would be charged to court.
Police said normalcy has been restored across Asaba and intensified patrols are continuing to prevent further breaches of the peace. Residents were urged to celebrate responsibly and report suspicious activities.
