The Nigerian military has ordered special squadrons to wear combat camouflage and prepare to crush economic protests across Lagos, signaling the Tinubu administration’s anxiety over the upcoming demonstrations.
A memo obtained by Peoples Gazette reveals that the Nigerian Air Force has directed airmen to wear woodland camouflage, a uniform associated with combat, to stymie a breakdown of law and order during the protests.
The signal, which originated from “ATC/1617” on July 18, also asked officers to be trained on “crowd dispersal scenarios” in line with extant military engagement rules.
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A moratorium was imposed on administrative leaves and regular passes for service members until after the protests, underscoring the administration’s fears about the potential consequences of the protests on its reputation.
Officials familiar with the strategy said political heavyweights opposing the protest have already hired thugs to mingle with peaceful protesters and unleash mayhem, providing an excuse for the military to disperse protesters using aggressive force.
“They will hide under that influence and say the protests have been hijacked by thugs, so they have no other option than to open fire,” an official said.
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The planned protests have ignited debates on social media, with critics blaming the president’s policies for contributing to runaway inflation and the collapse of the national currency.
The government has warned that a breakdown of law would not be tolerated.
