Nigerian Army officials began an impromptu stop-and-search operation in Abuja on Monday, just three days before the planned nationwide hunger protests on August 1.
Commuters on the Keffi-Abuja expressway were stranded as soldiers set up a roadblock at Sani Abacha barracks near the AYA roundabout, causing a traffic jam over 12 kilometers long to Nyanya Bridge.
Many civil servants and traders living in areas like Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, and Masaka were stuck in traffic for hours and had to return home.
News Central reports that Nigerians are planning a nationwide protest against economic hardship and bad governance.
The government has urged organisers to stop the protests, warning against the destruction of lives and property.
Multiple groups have withdrawn from the protests after the Nigeria Police reported that foreign mercenaries were sponsoring the action to cause chaos.
However, the organisers insist the protest will go on from August 1 to August 10, 2024.