The Nigerian Police Force has deployed 4,200 police officers ahead of planned nationwide protests against the government’s handling of the country’s economic crisis, scheduled for August 1-15, 2024.
The protests, organized under slogans such as “End Bad Governance” and “Tinubu Must Go”, are calling for electoral and anti-corruption reforms, as well as reduced electricity and fuel tariffs.
In response, pro-government activists under the slogan “Protect Nigeria” have announced similar actions during the same period.
The potential for clashes between rival activists or with security forces is elevated, particularly if officials ban the anti-corruption gatherings and activists block major roads.
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians, especially young people, to suspend their protest plans and give the government more time to address the economic hardships.
The government has also scheduled an emergency meeting on July 24 to discuss the planned nationwide protest