Nigeria's government has declared a strike by police officers in many cities a "mutiny" and called in the army.
Soldiers have been asked to take over "sensitive posts" in the country.
Police Minister Steven Akiga said officers taking part in the strike over pay and other demands faced dismissal and prosecution.
Those who remain at their posts would be paid their salaries, he said in a television address.
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"The federal government wishes to state emphatically that we do not regard the action of the policemen concerned as a strike but mutiny, the implications of which are very grave," he said.
An explosion at a Lagos armoury this week caused the deaths of over 600 people and sparked discontent in the army.