NIGERIAN authorities tightened security at government food stores on Sunday after a spate of attacks to steal supplies continued.

The ailing economy in Africa’s most populous nation has seen people struggle to afford food and left many with no alternative but to steal.

Inflation has risen to nearly 30 per cent and the soaring cost of living has sparked protests across the country. 

A litre of petrol costs more than three times what it did nine months ago, while the price of rice, a staple food, has more than doubled in the past year.

The National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) said it was increasing security “to forestall any breaches” at its warehouses.

Local residents reportedly broke into and looted food items, including bags of maize, at a facility in Nigeria’s federal capital, Abuja. 

The incident reportedly went on for hours, causing gridlock as people blocked roads near the area.

Some videos shared online show crowds gathered around the facilities on Sunday and others walking away with sacks of grain.

Police told local media that the situation had been brought under control.