The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property following a violent protest by some youths in Sokoto metropolis over the detention of suspected thug leader, Dahiru Umar Mai-Barewa.

According to the Command, the protest, which took place on Monday, September 7, 2026, between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., escalated into violence and vandalism across parts of the state. The protesters, reportedly armed with dane guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, marched through major routes including Hubbare Roundabout, Gidan-Haki and areas around the Sultan’s Palace in Sokoto North Local Government Area.

The unrest resulted in the destruction of public infrastructure, including solar-powered streetlights and billboards. Tyres were burnt, properties were looted and several persons sustained injuries. Although no official fatalities were recorded, the disturbance disrupted commercial activities for about six hours and created tension across affected communities.

The situation was, however, brought under control through a coordinated joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the NSCDC. The Command said the collaborative response helped restore normalcy, protect lives and property, and prevent further breakdown of law and order. Security surveillance has since been intensified in affected areas to forestall any recurrence.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commandant, CC Emmanuel Ajayi, urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information. He noted that personnel from the Operations Department, Quick Response Unit, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Crack Squad and Female Special Squad played key roles in restoring peace alongside other security agencies.

Commandant Ajayi reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to public safety and the protection of critical national assets, stressing that the Corps would continue working with sister agencies to strengthen security across the state. He added that Dahiru Umar Mai-Barewa has been arraigned before a competent court and remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.