Military Readies Intervention as Nationwide Protests Escalate with 1,100 Arrests, 21 Deaths

The Nigerian military has announced its readiness to intervene in the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests if the escalating violence continues.

The unrest has led to at least 21 deaths and the arrest of over 1,100 protesters as clashes with security forces intensify across the country.

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The Nigerian military has indicated its intention to step in if the violence associated with the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests worsens. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that the military would act to curb looting and disorder following widespread clashes in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa states.

The protests, which began on August 1, have already resulted in 21 deaths and significant disruption, with businesses closed and roads deserted.

Gen. Musa urged calm and understanding from protesters, emphasizing that the military and security agencies would not tolerate the destruction of property. “We will take action and the action we will take, we will take it professionally,” Gen. Musa warned, highlighting that those engaging in violence and theft would be prosecuted.

In Abuja, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse protesters who defied a court order to remain in a designated area. Five individuals were injured during these confrontations.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command reported that some hoodlums used the protests to commit robbery and assault, prompting a fierce exchange of fire with police.

The unrest has spread to Akwa Ibom State, where police deployed tear gas against protesters at Ibom Plaza. In Bauchi State, security guards at the Government House gate were filmed attacking Hamza Waziri, a leader of the Initiative for the Liberalisation of Physically Challenged People, who was protesting for inclusive employment.

In Yobe State, vandals attacked the Red Cross office in Gujba, destroying vehicles and property. The Nigerian Red Cross Society confirmed no casualties but condemned the attack as senseless.

Legal and activist groups are divided on the response to the protests. Lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has called for an end to the demonstrations, citing their hijacking by hoodlums, while activist Omoyele Sowore insists the protests will continue until government demands are met.

As violence continues, several northern states, including Kano, Borno, and Jigawa, have imposed curfews to restore order.

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The Organised Civil Society of Nigeria reported 1,154 arrests and 175 injuries from the protests, condemning police brutality.

Opposition parties have criticized President Bola Tinubu for not addressing the protesters’ demands earlier, with accusations that his administration’s silence has exacerbated the situation.

The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Dipo Olaoyoku, described the government’s response as inadequate and lacking in empathy.