In response to escalating protests over the rising cost of living and discontent with government policies, all police units across Nigeria have been placed on high alert following violent outbreaks in several cities on Thursday.
Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun announced that law enforcement is fully mobilized to handle any further disruptions to public safety effectively.
“The police are prepared to react appropriately to the evolving situation and will receive support from other security forces, including the military, if necessary,” he stated.
Motivated by youth-led movements in Kenya, Nigerians have launched the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria initiative, vowing to persist with their demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.
There is widespread frustration with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms initiated over a year ago, which have led to soaring inflation and a depreciation of the national currency.
These reforms, including the elimination of a fuel subsidy, have left many Nigerians struggling to meet basic needs. Current reports indicate that food inflation is nearing 40%, while fuel prices have surged to three times what they were a year ago.
While acknowledging the hardship these reforms have caused, Tinubu insists that they are essential for steering Nigeria toward sustainable economic growth.
On Friday, rights organization Amnesty International reported that at least 13 protesters lost their lives during confrontations with security personnel across various states, although official sources have only confirmed four fatalities.
