Protest: USA, UK, Canada Issues Security Alerts, Traders Concerned About Looting
The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued warnings about potential violence during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest on August 1 in Nigeria.
In separate travel advisories, the three countries cautioned their nationals to steer clear of any confrontations that might arise between security forces and protesters, referencing previous incidents.
Market leaders in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Osun, Zamfara, Gombe, and other areas have requested increased security presence around markets during the rallies.
In anticipation of the protest, police authorities have recalled all personnel from non-essential duties.
A memo dated July 25, 2024, and signed by CSP Okon Moses, ordered the withdrawal of riot policemen ahead of the demonstration.
The memo, titled ‘Notification of Temporary Withdrawal of Personnel for National Assignment,’ stated, “In light of the planned nationwide protest, it is necessary to temporarily withdraw some personnel attached to you to ensure a sufficient presence of officers in public spaces.”
“This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity/capability of the squadron and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.”
Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in an interview that the personnel withdrawal was in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive.
He added that this was done to bolster the strength of the police, adding that the men would be deployed to fortify banks and other critical national assets.
He said, “The IG ordered the withdrawal of policemen from some beats to augment our strength. Those withdrawn are those on non-essential duties. We’re going to have men to fortify banks and critical assets. That is where we will have our men, we want our men to be back to base.”
It was reported that the military had canceled leaves and passes for its personnel.
In the past weeks, the organizers of the protest, under the #EndBadGovernance tag, have intensified the mobilization of youths and civil society groups to participate in the rallies against the economic hardship in the country and the alleged failure of the Tinubu administration to address the people’s plight.
