The United States, United Kingdom and Canada have raised the alarm over the likelihood of violence during the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernance protest in the country.
The three countries, in separate travel alerts, cautioned their nationals in Nigeria to avoid getting caught in the confrontation that might occur between the security agencies and protesters, citing past incidences.
The advisories come as apprehensive market leaders in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Osun, Zamfara, Gombe and other parts of the country requested strong security around markets during the rallies.
Also in preparation for the demonstration, the police authorities have recalled all personnel on non-essential duties.
A memo dated July 25, 2024 and signed by CSP Okon Moses directed the withdrawal of riot policemen ahead of the protest.
The message titled, ‘Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment,’ read, ‘’In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.
“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, told The PUNCH 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 Those withdrawn are those on non-essential duties.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.”
The PUNCH reported that the military had cancelled leaves and passes for its personnel.
In the past weeks, the organisers of the protest, under the #EndBadGovernance tag, have intensified the mobilisation 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.
On assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy, promising to utilise the savings on infrastructural development, but the policy, compounded by insecurity in farming communities, sparked high transport costs leading to food inflation.
Tinubu also unified the foreign exchange rates to curb currency arbitrage and floated the naira resulting in a slump in the value of the national currency.
However, in the security advisory published on its website on Friday, the US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid getting caught in the rallies.
The advisory counselled them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
The alert read, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion and physical confrontations. No specific times or locations have been identified for potential protests at this time.
“Actions to take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; carry proper identification.
“The consular sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open during regular business hours and consular services will be provided as scheduled.”
Similarly, the UK High Commission said the protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in Abuja, Lagos and other large cities.
It warned of the likelihood of violence during the rallies, noting that past protests turned violent with little warning