The Defence Headquarters reviewed Thursday’s #EndBadGovernance protests, marked by widespread looting, and warned that the military might intervene if lawlessness continues.
Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa stated that while the police have managed the situation well, the military is on standby to assist in restoring order.
Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), lawyer for one of the protest organizers, Take It Back Movement, lamented the deaths and damages, stressing that these outcomes were not the goal of the protests and urged the youths to cease their actions.
However, Omoyele Sowore, Convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, insisted that the protests would continue.
Socio-economic activities, disrupted across the country on Thursday, showed signs of recovery in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Sokoto, Calabar, and other regions yesterday. Peaceful processions were observed in Port Harcourt, Ojota (Lagos), and Osogbo (Osun State). Notably, police officers in Ojota distributed bottled water to protesters.
In Abuja, the situation remained relatively calm despite verbal confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. The police reported 507 arrests across three states following Thursday’s protests.
Several influential organizations, including the Nigeria Inter-Religion Committee (NIREC), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and the Yoruba Council Worldwide, have called for the protesters to halt their actions.
General Musa, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, emphasized that the military has been supporting the police and other security agencies from the beginning and will not allow the situation to escalate.
The CDS affirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining peace nationwide with the support of all Nigerians. He warned that criminals or those with anti-government sentiments would not be allowed to destabilize the country.
“Destruction and the misuse of funds meant for development will not be tolerated. We urge everyone to work together to prevent further damage,” he said. “Those who persist in disruptive behavior will face legal consequences.”
Musa highlighted the professionalism of the military since the protests began, acknowledging the federal government’s commitment to allowing free association. He praised the Nigerian police force for their professionalism and reiterated that the military would continue to act professionally while distinguishing between peaceful protests and criminal activities.
“What started as peaceful demonstrations was quickly hijacked by criminals. We had warned about individuals ready to incite chaos. We appeal to Nigerians to recognize that the federal government is striving to do its best for the country,” he concluded.
