With the proposed nationwide protest against hunger and bad governance just around the corner, security operatives have been placed on high alert across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The protest, scheduled for August 1-10, has prompted a significant increase in security presence, particularly in strategic locations such as public buildings and institutions.
In Abuja, military and police personnel have set up roadblocks on major roads, causing delays in traffic. Residents of Kubwa, Dutse Alhaji, Maraba, and Bwari have reported an unusually high number of security vehicles patrolling their neighborhoods.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed senior police officers to protect participants in the protest. This comes after human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), requested police protection for the hunger protesters.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed approximately 30,000 personnel nationwide to prevent acts of criminality, disruption of peace, and vandalism of critical infrastructure during the protest. The Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, has urged officers and men to display professionalism and civility while discharging their duties.
However, the Federal Government has insisted that there is no longer a need for the planned protest, stating that it is already addressing some of the demands made by aggrieved Nigerians. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, claimed that the government is making efforts to ensure food availability.
As the nation prepares for the planned protest, one thing is clear: security operatives are taking no chances. With the increased security presence and measures in place, Nigerians can only hope for a peaceful and orderly protest.
