Naira Scarcity: Nigerians Attacking Banks Will Be Treated As Armed Robbers - Police

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that citizens caught attacking banks in protest against cash scarcity will be treated as armed robbers. Force Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a video posted on the NPF's page on Friday. “We complain banks don’t attend to us yet we go to their facilities and set them ablaze, destroy ATMs. How do you want them to serve you better if you have destroyed their facilities?” Mr Adejobi said.

“I think we need to educate ourselves on what the law says about this. You don’t go to any bank, ATM, or financial institution to attack. It is criminal and tantamount to armed robbery. If you are caught in the act, you will be treated as an armed robber.” The police warning comes as angry citizens across many major Nigerian cities attack banks in protest against naira scarcity in the country.

In October 2022, the Buhari regime through the Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele announced the redesign of N200, N500 and N1000 notes. With old notes mopped out of circulation and new notes unavailable in banks, citizens have been left to suffer untold hardship, queuing in banks without getting cash for their businesses and personal use.