Security forces have deployed tear gas to disperse protests in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, as demonstrations against economic hardship continue nationwide. The possibility of implementing a curfew has been confirmed in several northern states following clashes that erupted in the cities of Kano and Abuja.

Protesters are expressing grievances over food shortages, as well as accusations of mismanagement and corruption in Africa’s most populous country. Images from the demonstrations show Nigerians holding signs with slogans such as “end bad governance in Nigeria” and “pay living wages to all Nigerian workers in both public and private employment.”

The police report that over 300 protesters have been arrested, and curfews have been imposed in five northern states following looting of government and public properties. Human rights organization Amnesty International has stated that at least 13 protesters have been killed in three northern states, although authorities have not commented on these deaths.

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police has indicated that the military may be called for assistance, and all police units have been placed on “red alert.” Further measures may be taken to restore order, Inspector Kayode Egbetokun stated in a release. “The police are equipped to respond appropriately to the current situation and will receive assistance from other security agencies, including the military, if necessary,” the statement read.

Amnesty International emphasizes that security forces are responsible for the 13 fatalities reported in Niger State, Maiduguri (the capital of Borno State), and Kaduna. “Our findings so far indicate that security personnel in places where lives were lost deliberately used tactics designed to cause fatalities during the handling of crowds protesting against hunger and deep poverty,” they said.

Police spokesperson in Kaduna State, Mansur Hassan, confirmed that police used tear gas against the protesters but did not deploy live ammunition. According to Al Jazeera reporter Ahmed Idris, based in Nigeria’s economic capital Lagos, the number of demonstrators on the streets appeared to be smaller than the previous day. “The participation or the number we are seeing here is far less than what we observed yesterday,” he stated.