In preparation for the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest on August 1, 2024, the Nigerian military, police, and other security agencies have begun a substantial deployment of personnel. The protest, organized by youths and civil society groups, is aimed at addressing economic hardships, including the high cost of living and the controversial removal of fuel subsidies.
Security forces, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been put on high alert as the country anticipates widespread demonstrations. The NSCDC has deployed 30,000 personnel nationwide, tasked with protecting public infrastructure and preventing any violence or destruction.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed the deployment but downplayed its significance, referring to it as a standard measure for counter-terrorism operations. Despite this, a noticeable increase in security presence has been observed in various states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly in Abuja, Lagos, and Enugu.
In Niger State, some youths began protesting ahead of the official protest date, blocking the Abuja-Kaduna Road before being dispersed by soldiers. Meanwhile, in Lagos, police have increased their presence in key areas, though officials have described this as routine.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, emphasized the need to maintain peace and protect national assets during the demonstrations. He highlighted intelligence reports suggesting potential attempts by criminals to exploit the protests for disruptive purposes.
In response to the protests, the Department of State Security Service (DSS) has detained Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, and four others, raising concerns about the government’s handling of the situation. The DSS did not respond to requests for comment.
Various state police commands, including those in Kano, Delta, and Akwa Ibom, have issued directives for protest organizers to provide details about their activities to facilitate adequate security measures and prevent potential violence.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has also heightened security around its facilities, deploying sniffer dogs and armed squads to prevent any repeat of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which saw attacks on correctional centers and the escape of over 2,000 inmates.
In a recent development, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed senior officers to ensure the protection of protesters, following a request from human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).
As the protest date approaches, the situation remains fluid, with heightened security and ongoing preparations to manage and mitigate potential disruptions.
