The Federal Government has ordered heightened security measures at the country’s borders in response to a planned nationwide protest addressing the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria.
The upcoming demonstration, tagged the #EndBadGovernance protest, is set to commence on August 1, 2024. The protest emerges in response to the significant economic strain on Nigerians, with inflation hitting 34.19 percent in June 2024.
This surge was mainly triggered by President Tinubu’s policies on fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira, drastically increasing the cost of essential commodities and eroding the naira’s value.
The Comptroller General instructed all Border Command Comptrollers to ensure border officers diligently prevent any unscrupulous foreign elements from entering the country with sinister motives. Officers were reminded to display utmost professionalism and patriotism in their duties.
KT Udo, spokesperson for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), announced that the directive came from the Comptroller General of the agency, KN Nandap.
“The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap, has directed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) to be extra vigilant and increase surveillance due to the planned nationwide protest by some groups,” the statement read.
In preparation for the protest, other security agencies have also enhanced their efforts to secure the nation and have issued warnings against the demonstration.
The Department of State Services (DSS) claimed to have identified the protest’s sponsors and cautioned that criminal elements might hijack it to cause chaos.
The police echoed the DSS’s concerns, alleging foreign mercenary involvement in the planned demonstrations and requesting organizers submit their details to the security agency before proceeding. In the Federal Capital Territory alone, over 4,200 police personnel have been deployed.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) warned that mischief-makers could exploit the protest. To avert potential unrest, President Tinubu and various state governors have been engaging with relevant stakeholders, advocating for dialogue and urging organizers to allow the authorities more time to address the country’s challenges.
