The Federal Government has increased security at the country’s borders due to a planned nationwide protest about Nigeria’s ongoing economic troubles. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) spokesperson, KT Udo, announced that the agency’s Comptroller General ordered this security boost.
“The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap, has instructed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers, and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) across the country to be extra cautious and enhance surveillance due to the upcoming nationwide protest planned by some groups,” the statement from Saturday read.
“The Comptroller General also directed all Border Commands to ensure that all border officers work diligently to prevent any suspicious foreign individuals from entering the country with bad intentions.” Officers were reminded to “show utmost professionalism and patriotism in their duties.”
The demonstration, named #EndBadGovernance, is set to begin on August 1, 2024, in response to severe economic hardship. Inflation hit 34.19 percent in June 2024, driven mainly by the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira by President Tinubu’s administration. This has made basic goods unaffordable for millions, leading to the planned protest.
Security agencies, including the NIS, have increased efforts to secure the country and warned against the protest as it gained support on social media.
The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has identified the protest sponsors and cautioned against it, claiming that some criminal elements plan to take advantage of the situation to cause chaos.
The police echoed the DSS’s concerns, stating that foreign mercenaries are backing the planned demonstrations and asking the organizers to submit their details to security agencies before the protest. In the Federal Capital Territory, over 4,200 police personnel have been deployed.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) claimed that some troublemakers intend to hijack the protest. To prevent the protest, President Tinubu and several state governors have been meeting with key stakeholders, urging for dialogue and asking the organizers to give the government more time to address the nation’s challenges.
