Hundreds of people were captured on video, breaking into warehouses, carrying off sacks of grain, cartons of pasta and other household items.

On the orders of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, security personnel have been deployed to enforce the curfew.

Last month, Nigeria ended a fuel subsidy regime, leading to soaring food and petrol prices.

The economy has also been weakened by recession and the ongoing fallout from the Covid pandemic.