The impending nationwide protest has put the police on high alert and sparked concern among government officials. Scheduled for August 1-10, 2024, the protest is organized by Nigerian youths to highlight the increasing hardship in the country and pressurize the government to reverse policies blamed for these difficulties.
In response, the police have issued a memo instructing officers to prevent the protest. According to the memo, “Some groups are mobilizing for mass protest nationwide beginning from August 1 to 10, 2024.” Dated July 8, the memo was sent to zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, urging them to proactively “mobilize well-kitted and equipped personnel” in anticipation of the protest.
The directive stated, “INGENPOL directs you to be proactive, mobilize well-kitted and equipped personnel, synergize with other sister agencies and the military, take over all strategic points in your AOR, deploy undercover for intelligence gathering, disperse unlawful gatherings, be in heart-to-heart conversation with community stakeholders, and ensure no form of protest occurs during the period.”
The planned protest has caused anxiety among Nigerian public officials, particularly lawmakers, who fear potential attacks. On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate engaged in a panic debate, expressing concern about the threat posed by angry Nigerians struggling under the prevailing hardship.
The protest is a reaction to the government’s policies, which have led to fuel price hikes, high living costs, and food insecurity. Organizers are demanding an end to the subsidy scam, a reduction of fuel prices to below N300 per litre, lower tertiary education fees, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, a reduction in import duties, transparency and reduction of salaries and allowances for senators and house members, and reform of the EFCC.
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