Soldiers take over streets, strategic points in Abuja

Soldiers of the Forces Republicaines de Cote d'Ivoire (FRCI) take position on April 27, 2011 in Abidjan during their attack against a militia group that helped drive former President Laurent Gbagbo from power. The Republican Forces moved into Abidjan's northern Abobo district in an offensive to dislodge fighters of former coup-plotter Ibarhim Coulibaly, who claims to command a 5,000-strong force. Ivory Coast's new President Alassane Ouattara has urged armed groups to lay down weapons or be disarmed by force, as his government, which took power after strongman Gbagbo's April 11 arrest, exerts authority in the crisis-hit country. AFP PHOTO / SIA KAMBOU (Photo credit should read SIA KAMBOU/AFP/Getty Images)

As the nationwide protests calling for the end of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS and police brutality, intensifies and enters day 13, Soldiers have taken over streets and strategic locations in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The Nigerian Army had at the weekend announced that its annual exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile would commence nationwide on October 20, 2020. Just before the date, soldiers are now positioned at every strategic point in the FCT as the End SARS protests persist.

Some video clips online also captured some soldiers and mobile policemen harassing protesters. The army had earlier issued a statement, saying its Operation Crocodile Smile was not because of the protests.