The military and police have launched a massive nationwide deployment of soldiers and police personnel in anticipation of the August 1 #EndBadGovernance protest. This protest is organized by various youth groups and civil society organizations to highlight the economic hardship faced by citizens and demand changes in government policies, especially the removal of the petrol subsidy.
Security Preparations and Nationwide Deployment
On Monday, investigations by The ULTIMATEBLOG revealed that security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have put their personnel on high alert. They are preparing for a nationwide rally aimed at drawing attention to the severe economic conditions and the government’s role in exacerbating these issues. Despite appeals from the Presidency and police authorities to call off the demonstrations, the protest organizers remain steadfast in their demands for better living conditions and policy reversals.
The removal of the petrol subsidy, compounded by ongoing security challenges in farming regions, has led to a surge in transportation costs, subsequently causing food prices to skyrocket. While most states have distanced themselves from the impending protest due to fears that it might be hijacked by disruptive elements, they are taking no chances. Our correspondents observed an unusual presence of security personnel in several states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Confirmation of Troop Deployment
Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the deployment of troops, noting that there was nothing unusual about it. He emphasized that soldiers have always been deployed across the country for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
“Troops have always been deployed across the country in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations. There is nothing new about that (deployment), please,” Buba said.
However, our correspondents observed intensified surveillance and patrols by the Guards Brigade, police, NSCDC, and other security agencies in the FCT on Monday.
Early Protests and Government Response
In a surprising turn, some youths in Niger State took to the streets on Monday, just days after Governor Mohammed Bago announced that the state’s youths would not participate in the nationwide protest. The protesters, unwilling to wait until August 1, chanted anti-government slogans and carried placards with messages like “Enough is Enough,” “Stop Anti-Masses Policies,” “We Are Not Slaves In Our Country,” “Hardship Is Unbearable,” and “Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back.”
The youths reportedly blocked the Abuja-Kaduna Road but dispersed following the intervention of soldiers stationed on the highway. Abiodun Wasiu, spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, confirmed the protest and noted that the situation was quickly brought under control by the Area Commander, Suleja, and his team.
“There was no blockade of the road along Abuja-Kaduna Road. We also heard rumors of issues around Madalla, but there was no problem there. The Area Commander is on a show of force and monitoring the situation within Suleja and environs. The area is calm, and people should continue their lawful businesses,” Wasiu said.
Vehicular Movement and Increased Security Presence
In the FCT, vehicular movements on major roads like Abuja-Keffi and Abuja-Lokoja were slowed due to roadblocks set up by military and police personnel. Residents of areas like Kubwa, Dutse Alhaji, Maraba, and Bwari reported seeing an unusually high number of security vehicles patrolling their neighborhoods.
To enhance security around public infrastructure and assets, the NSCDC announced the deployment of 30,000 personnel nationwide. NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi revealed this during a meeting with Commandants and Zonal Commandants at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
“Based on the intelligence reports indicating that criminals might hijack the protest to cause chaos, I have ordered the deployment of no fewer than 30,000 personnel nationwide, including Intelligence and other Tactical Units across all formations. The Zonal Commanders and all State Commandants in the 36 states and FCT are to supervise their personnel and monitor the protest to ensure the protection of lives and property as well as secure the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure,” Audi stated.
Security Forces on High Alert
Audi emphasized the need for security personnel to ensure the protests remain peaceful and to protect government property from being destroyed. He urged his officers to work within the NSCDC Standard Operating Procedures and Ethical Standards, ensuring they do not harass or molest any citizens while they peacefully protest.
In Lagos, the state Police Command positioned officers at strategic locations, though a top officer told The ULTIMATEBLOG that it was part of the usual “police routine exercise.” Areas like Meiran, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Agege saw an increased police presence, with about 20 officers conducting routine vehicle checks at Berger Bus Stop.
The Lagos command spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to calls or messages seeking comments on the development. However, a senior officer in the command, speaking on condition of anonymity, reiterated that the heavy security presence was part of routine policing to ensure public safety.
Detentions and Increased Security in States
In a concerning development, the Department of State Security Service (DSS) detained Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, along with four others in Kaduna on Monday. This action heightened concerns about the government’s responses to the upcoming demonstrations. The Secretary-General of the Northern Comrades Movement, Ahmad Ashir, confirmed the detentions, noting that the group had sought protection from the DSS but was instead detained upon arrival at the DSS Kaduna State Command.
In Enugu State, fully armed soldiers were stationed at strategic points, including the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Movements of military personnel, especially the Nigerian Army, were noted in the Enugu metropolis, with an Armored Personnel Carrier stationed at key junctions.
The Imo command also announced a 15-day “show of force and confidence-building patrol” across the state’s 27 local government areas. This deployment, involving operatives from the police, Armed Forces, and other security agencies, aims to ensure public safety and deter any miscreants from causing disturbances during the planned protests.
Similarly, the NSCDC in Anambra State has deployed 1,190 officers and men ahead of the protest. Commandant Maku Olatunde stated that the deployment is in line with directives from the Commandant-General to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
Strengthening Security Measures Across the Country
In Bayelsa, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, confirmed that tactical units would be stationed at strategic points. However, he did not specify the number of personnel to be deployed. The Akwa Ibom State Police Command also strengthened security within and around Uyo metropolis to address any potential issues arising from the protest. Public Relations Officer Timfon John noted that the state Commissioner of Police had put a strategic plan in place for the protest.
In anticipation of the rallies, the Delta State Police Command has deployed personnel across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order. The state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged protest organizers to provide details of their activities to ensure proper policing and to prevent any hijacking by criminal elements.
The Kano State Police Command also requested detailed plans from protest groups to ensure adequate personnel and resources are deployed to maintain public safety. Similarly, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has strengthened security at its custodial centers nationwide to prevent a repeat of the #EndSARS incident, where several inmates escaped during protests.
Appeals for Peaceful Protests and Government’s Stance
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed senior officers to protect the protesters. This directive followed a request by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), who sought police protection for the protesters. Egbetokun also requested a meeting with Adegboruwa to discuss further measures to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
In separate statements, Egbetokun and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), appealed to the protest organizers to reconsider their plans and call off the demonstrations. They emphasized the negative impacts of violent protests and the need to maintain peace and order during the protests.
Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protests, Egbetokun noted the chaos and suffering that followed and urged citizens to avoid a repeat of such events. He acknowledged the citizens’ right to protest but stressed that it must be peaceful and lawful.
Maikyau called for a dialogue between the government and the protest organizers to find solutions to the economic issues. He warned against the potential for protests to be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to violence and chaos.
Civil Society’s Stand and Government’s Responsibility
Despite the government’s appeals, the United Action Front of Civil Society, representing a coalition of civil society groups, warned against intimidating protesters. They urged the government to address the demands and concerns raised by the citizens organizing the protests. They highlighted key demands such as reversing the fuel price hike and reducing government spending.
The group insisted that no amount of threats would deter the planned nationwide demonstrations and called on the government to take proactive steps to address the citizens’ concerns. They emphasized that the government would be held responsible for any unintended consequences of the protests.
As the August 1 protest date approaches, the deployment of security personnel across Nigeria is a clear indication of the government’s concern about the potential impact of the demonstrations. While the government and security agencies emphasize the need for peaceful protests, the organizers and civil society groups remain resolute in their demands for better governance and economic conditions. The situation remains tense, and the actions of both the government and the protesters in the coming days will determine the outcome of this significant event.