The military of Nigeria threatens to step in to put an end to the violence during impending protests

According to defense spokesman Major General Edward Buba, Nigeria’s military would step in to stop any violence during citizen rallies over poor governance and economic hardship scheduled for next month. Buba made this announcement on Thursday.

Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest, according to Buba, but the planned protests starting on August 1 could degenerate into violence because they are modeled after the events in Kenya, where youths staged street protests and forced the government to revoke $2.7 billion in tax increases.

The protests in Kenya have claimed the lives of over fifty individuals.
The last time Nigeria’s military was called upon to put an end to violent protests was in October 2020.

“The best way to characterize the level of violence anticipated is as anarchy. The military forces won’t stand by and watch while the country descends to such dangerous heights because of this, Buba stated in a statement.

“It is for this reason that, troops will act dutifully to forestall such ugly occurrences from happening in our nation.”

In reaction to a cost-of-living problem that has seen inflation jump to a 28-year high of 34.2%, Nigerians are preparing online for statewide protests next week. These rallies follow various reforms that President Bola Tinubu has implemented since last year.

The police head has issued a warning against the protests, accusing “self-appointed crusaders and influencers” of being behind them, while the administration has called for more time to put a stop to the difficulties.

Asserting their right to nonviolent protests, protestors have labeled the government’s threats of violence as a pretext for an impending crackdown.

Amnesty International reports that at least 12 people died as a result of the 2020 EndSars protests against police violence.