MAIDUGURI, Nigeria 

Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari is concerned about the possibility of mass protests against security forces degenerating into "anarchy", a top aide said Thursday.

"This situation, we all know is a very, very grave situation, giving a lot of concern to everyone most, especially Mr. President," National Security

Adviser Babagana Monguno said at a news conference after a security meeting in Abuja.

Buhari called an emergency security meeting at the Presidential Villa with service chiefs as demonstrations across the country have turned violent.

Monguno said the president has directed that state governments should do "whatever is necessary” to bring about an "agreeable resolution" to this crisis.

Protesters in the commercial center of Lagos on Thursday looted a government-owned warehouse that houses packaging palliatives for the coronavirus.

At least five people were killed in the stampede that followed, according to The Sun newspaper.

Nigerians have condemned the use of force on protesters by state forces.