The United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued travel alerts to their nationals in Nigeria, warning of potential violence during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest on August 1.
The three countries cited past incidences of confrontations between security agencies and protesters as the basis for their caution.
In separate statements, the US, UK, and Canadian embassies urged their citizens to avoid areas where protests are expected to take place, highlighting the likelihood of clashes and potential risks to safety.
In preparation for the demonstration, the Nigerian police have recalled all personnel on non-essential duties.
A memo dated July 25, 2024, and signed by CSP Okon Moses, directed the withdrawal of riot policemen ahead of the protest.
The memo stressed the need for heightened security measures to prevent any outbreak of violence and ensure public safety.
The planned protest, which has gained significant traction on social media with hashtags like #EndBadGovernance, aims to address issues of bad governance, economic hardship, and hunger in the country.
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Despite appeals from the government, individuals, and groups for the organizers to call off the protest, the determination to proceed remains strong among the organizers.
The police, in a message titled, ‘Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment,’ wrote, “In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.
“This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity/capability of the squadron, and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.’’
The US Mission in Abuja, in the security advisory published on its website on Friday, advised Americans to avoid getting caught in the rallies.
The advisory counselled them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
The alert read, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion and physical confrontations. No specific times or locations have been identified for potential protests at this time.
“Actions to take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; carry proper identification.
“The consular sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open during regular business hours, and consular services will be provided as scheduled.”
Similarly, the UK High Commission said the protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in Abuja, Lagos and other large cities.
It warned of the likelihood of violence during the rallies, noting that past protests turned violent with little warning.
It asked British citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor media reports.
The advisory read, “Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid.
“Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.
“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.
“Widespread public demonstrations are a possibility across Nigeria between 29 July and 10 August, with a focus on large cities, including Abuja and Lagos. This period could see increased risks of disruption, with possible effects on transport and infrastructure.
“Past protests have turned violent with little warning. Exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor local media reporting.”
The Canadian government equally alerted its citizens in Nigeria about the demonstrations, which it said could disrupt traffic and public transportation and “turn violent at any time.
“Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.
“If you’re in Nigeria, expect a heightened security presence, remain vigilant at all times, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
“Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in central Abuja and other major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.”
