Soldiers have on Monday, October 19 taken over streets and strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja amid #EndSARS protests across the country.
This comes few days after the military high command announced that it would commence its annual exercise, the ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ on October 20.
Following the announcement, there was an outcry against the move as many insinuated that the operation is against protesters, but Army Spokesperson Col Musa Sagir denied this, saying the exercise has no relationship with the ongoing protest.
While policemen cordoned off parts of the Three Arms Zone, Ralph Shodeinde Street, soldiers were stationed at strategic parts of the Goodluck E. Jonathan Expressway through AYA Roundabout to the headquarters of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The heavily armed soldiers, many of whom were wearing black face masks, barricaded sections of the expressway.
The #EndSARS protests, aimed at stopping police brutality, have been raging in different parts of the country for over 10 days.
The protests have continued despite the disbanding of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad which was accused of perpetrating most of the extrajudicial killings.
The protesters are known to cordon off major roads, causing traffic congestion. They blocked the Airport Road on Friday, causing many to lose their flight while on Saturday, protesters blocked the ever-busy Wuse Market Road.
While the protests have been largely peaceful, Amnesty International has said that at least 10 persons have been killed as at last Wednesday.
The killings have largely been perpetrated by thugs believed to be loyal to the government and security personnel.
See some photos of soldiers in Abuja below;
