FG Orders Tightened Security At Borders Over Planned Protest

A trader approaches the closed Niger-Nigeria border in Jibia on February 17, 2024. (Photo by Kola Sulaimon / AFP)

The Federal Government has ordered tightened security at the country’s border owing to the planned nationwide protest over the prevalent economic hardship in Nigeria.

In a statement, the spokesman of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) KT Udo said the Comptroller General of the agency gave the directive.

“The Comptroller General of Immigration Service, KN Nandap pcc, mmis, fsm, has directed Zonal Heads, State Command Comptrollers and Divisional Immigration Officers (DIOS) of the Service across the country to be extra vigilant and step up surveillance in view of the planned nationwide protest by some groups,” the Saturday statement read.

“The Comptroller General further directed all Comptrollers of Border Commands to ensure that all border officers work assiduously to prevent unscrupulous foreign elements from entering the country for any sinister motive.”

It reminded officers to “display utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties”.

Other Agencies Raise Alarm, Tinubu Wades In

The planned demonstration over economic hardship is tagged #EndBadGovernance protest and is billed to begin on August 1, 2024. Inflation levels hit 34.19 per cent in June 2024 majorly triggered by the twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the naira – the nation’s currency – by President Tinubu’s administration.

That has pushed the cost of essential commodities beyond the reach of millions as inflation eats away the value of the naira, prompting calls for the demonstration.

But like the NIS, other security agencies have beefed up efforts to secure the country and cautioned against the protest since the push for it gained mileage on social media.

The Department of State Services (DSS) said it has identified the sponsors of the protest but cautioned against it. It claimed that some criminal elements are planning to hijack it and cause mayhem in the country. The police on their part re-echoed the Secret agency’s stance, saying some foreign mercenaries are backing the planned demonstrations. It requested the planners to submit their details to the security agency before the protest. In the Federal Capital Territory, over 4,200 police personnel have been deployed.

It was a similar situation with the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) which claimed some mischief makers want to hijack the protest.

To avert the protest, President Tinubu and some state governors have been meeting with relevant stakeholders. The Nigerian leaders are calling for dialogue, urging the organisers to give the authorities more time to address the challenges facing the country.