Nigerian police have deployed personnel nationwide ahead of Monday’s planned protests against economic hardship and civil rights violations, warning demonstrators to shelve their action.
Security forces are on high alert as civil society groups prepare for nationwide protests today against economic hardship, rights abuses, and political crises. The Take-It-Back Movement insists the demonstration will proceed despite police warnings, with organizers planning to converge at the National Assembly in Abuja.
“We are undeterred by police attempts to repress the protest,” said Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of Take-It-Back Movement. He referenced last August’s violent #EndBadGovernance protests, alleging security forces killed demonstrators and arrested minors during the crackdown.
Police describe the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” while activists maintain their constitutional right to demonstrate. “We will surely exercise it, in defence of our dying democracy,” said Abuja coordinator Adenola Michael, as both sides brace for potential confrontations across major cities.