Protest action in KuGompo City turned violent on Wednesday when police used stun grenades to disperse a march calling for undocumented migrants to leave the country.
Angry residents took to the streets following growing tensions linked to the controversial coronation of a Nigerian national as an Igbo king, an event that has sparked unrest in the area.
One protester said the march was intended to remain peaceful but escalated when demonstrators approached an area known locally as California, which residents claim is associated with criminal activity.
During the chaos, police detained a man accused of allegedly assaulting a police officer. The suspect was taken away in a police nyala while maintaining his innocence.
Some protesters criticised the arrest, alleging the man had done nothing wrong and was reacting after being pushed by officers. Police have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This marks the second week of unrest in KuGompo City. Last week, a planned peaceful demonstration by traditional leaders over the alleged coronation also turned violent, resulting in damage to at least 12 vehicles and the torching of several buildings.
The latest unrest comes amid ongoing controversy over the purported coronation, which has drawn diplomatic attention. Officials from the Nigerian embassy have since issued an apology and distanced themselves from the incident.
Deputy to the Acting High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, said the Nigerian government was not involved and clarified that what took place in KuGompo City did not constitute a formal coronation.
Authorities say investigations into both the violence and earlier incidents are ongoing as tensions in the area remain high.