The Nigerian Government has ordered increased border security in response to a planned statewide protest over Nigeria’s widespread economic suffering.
In a statement, KT Udo, spokesman for the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), claimed the decision was issued by the agency’s Comptroller General.
“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,” according to a statement issued Saturday.
“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 admonished officers to “display utmost professionalism and patriotism in the discharge of their duties”.
Other Agencies Raise the Alarm, Tinubu Wades Intervenes
The planned rally about economic hardship is dubbed the #EndBadGovernance protest and is scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024. Inflation levels reached 34.19% in June 2024, owing primarily to President Tinubu’s administration’s twin policy of eliminating fuel subsidies and floating the naira, the nation’s currency.
As inflation erodes the value of the naira, the cost of necessary items has risen beyond the reach of millions of people, sparking calls for a demonstration.
However, other security services, including the NIS, have increased efforts to secure the country and warned against the protest as it gained traction on social media.
The Department of State Services (DSS) stated it had identified the protest’s sponsors, but warned against it. It alleged that some criminal groups were planning to hijack it and spread havoc around the country. The police, for their part, reiterated the Secret Service’s stance, claiming that some foreign mercenaries are supporting the scheduled demonstrations. It asked the organisers to submit their information to the security agency before the rally. Over 4,200 police officers have been deployed across the Federal Capital Territory.
A similar issue arose when the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) alleged that some mischief-makers intended to hijack the protest.
To prevent the protest, President Tinubu and certain state governors have met with key stakeholders. Nigerian politicians have called for discussion, encouraging organisers to give the authorities more time to address the country’s concerns.