The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohammed Amin, has revealed that 485 individuals have been arrested in connection with the June 25 “Gen Z anniversary protests,” which turned violent in parts of the country.

In a press briefing, Amin outlined the wide range of criminal charges being pursued against those arrested.

“As of today, 485 individuals have been arrested in connection with what happened on June 25, 2025,” he revealed.

These include murder, rape, gang rape, assault, obstruction of police officers on duty, breaking and stealing, robbery and robbery with violence, stealing from locked motorcycles, incitement to violence, handling stolen goods, malicious damage to property, and possession of illegal firearms.

“We must not allow our nation to spiral into anarchy and chaos. The police will not remain passive while lawlessness threatens our collective peace and security,” Amin stated.

Of the 485 arrested, the DCI confirmed that 448 individuals have already been charged in court, while 37 remain under active investigation. The arrests follow widespread protests largely organised by youth groups, initially to oppose the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2025, which later escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement.

Amin also said that the protests were infiltrated by individuals with a strategic plan to destabilise public order. “Further investigations, including statements obtained from those arrested suspects, reveal a deliberate and well-funded plot to incite chaos, civil unrest, and widespread anarchy under the guise of peaceful demonstration,” he said.

The June 25 demonstrations resulted in significant disruptions across major towns, with reports of fatalities, injuries, looting, and destruction of public and private property. The DCI’s report adds to growing concerns about organised efforts to exploit public protests for unlawful activities.

Authorities continue to carry out investigations into the origin and funding of the plot, with security agencies working to identify the masterminds behind the coordinated actions. Amin reiterated the DCI’s resolve to pursue all leads and take legal action against individuals found culpable.

The government has maintained that while the right to peaceful protest is protected, it must not be used to shield criminal conduct. As investigations continue, the state has signalled a strong response to acts deemed to threaten national peace and security.