The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued security warnings to their citizens in Nigeria, highlighting potential violence during the upcoming nationwide protests.
The planned protests, set to commence on August 1, 2024, aim to address widespread hunger and economic hardship.
In separate advisories, these countries urged their citizens to avoid areas where clashes between security forces and protesters might occur.
The US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid rallies, steer clear of crowds, and stay informed via local media. The advisory emphasized potential roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations, stating, “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.”
Similarly, the UK High Commission warned that protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in major cities like Abuja and Lagos. British nationals were advised to exercise caution, avoid large crowds, and stay informed through media reports, noting that previous protests have turned violent with little warning. The advisory read, “Political rallies, protests, and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid. Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events that attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.”
The Canadian government also issued an advisory, cautioning citizens to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation and warning that protests could become violent unexpectedly. They advised vigilance, adherence to local authorities’ instructions, and continuous monitoring of local media for updates. The advisory noted, “Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.”
These warnings underscore heightened concerns over the planned nationwide protests and their potential impact on safety and security in Nigeria.
“No Going Back,” Say Protest Organizers
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, emphasized that the planned protest against economic hardship will proceed as scheduled. The protest, gaining momentum on social media, is set to take place across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in August.
Adenola stressed that Eagle Square in Abuja, a public property, should be available for the protest, and urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allow “hungry Nigerian youths” to express their grievances.
Prices of food and basic commodities have surged in recent months, exacerbating one of Nigeria’s worst inflation rates and economic crises, fueled by the government’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and forex unification.
“Eagle Square Is Public Property”
Adenola criticized the FCT minister’s stance on the use of Eagle Square, questioning how impoverished Nigerian youths could afford the fees and security costs. He affirmed the protesters’ intention to gather at the Eagle Square on August 1.
Hunger as a Driving Force
Adenola described hunger as the main motivation behind the protest, noting that the organizers represent the multitude of unemployed and hopeless Nigerians affected by the current economic situation. He rejected the notion that the protest organizers are faceless, stating, “The organizers of the protest are hungry Nigerians; they are a host of unemployed Nigerians, they are a host of hopeless Nigerians who are roaming the streets. These are the organizers of the protest and the greatest motivation of this #EndBadGovernance protest is hunger. People are really hungry.”
Bank Account Blocked
Adenola also revealed that the bank account of the Take It Back Movement was blocked on the orders of the Department of State Services (DSS), and urged security agencies to ensure their presence at all protest venues nationwide.
