The Nigerian Army has deployed scores of armed soldiers and armoured tanks to strategic locations and areas in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protest draws nearer
In multiple videos and images circulating on social media, armed security operatives and armoured tanks can be seen occupying Eagle Square, the proposed venue for the protest in Abuja.
According to reports, the soldiers have also set up a roadblock at Sani Abacha Barracks before the popular AYA roundabout in the FCT without any prior notice to road users and commuters. This roadblock has caused a gridlock extending as far as Nyanya Bridge, more than 12 kilometres from the checkpoint, affecting civil servants and traders who work in the FCT but live outside the city centre in places such as Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, and Masaka. Many of them were forced to return home after being stranded for hours without any hope of progress.
The deployment of security forces comes after Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged the Nigerian government not to allow the planned nationwide protest to take place. Speaking on Arise TV last Thursday, Kalu expressed concerns that the protest could spread across Africa if it is allowed to happen in Nigeria on August 1, 2024.
However, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, told newsmen on Monday that the security agencies use Eagle Square as a mustering point. “The Eagle Square is a muster point and the designated place where all security agencies which include police, military and others assemble. Our presence there doesn’t stop anyone from using the place. Whenever anyone wants to use, we always vacate,” he said.
The heavy presence of armed soldiers and armoured tanks in Abuja has raised concerns among citizens and activists about the government’s approach to handling the planned protest. As the date of the protest draws closer, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and whether the security forces will allow peaceful demonstrations to take place.
