Nigeria on High Alert Here's Why: On the evening of August 2, Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun expressed serious concerns over the ongoing EndBadGovernance protest, which has escalated into widespread violence across the nation.

The nationwide protest, which started on August 1, aimed to address the severe economic hardships faced by Nigerians. However, the first day saw significant unrest, with multiple cities experiencing violence and looting. Major trouble spots included Kano, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Niger, Jigawa, and Nasarawa States.

In response to the escalating violence, several states have imposed curfews to restore order. During a press conference, IGP Egbetokun criticized the protest organizers for their absence during the turmoil and highlighted the failures of the National Testing Agency (NTA) in managing the protest effectively.

“The situation has proven our earlier warnings correct,” IGP Egbetokun said. “We had foreseen potential violence based on intelligence reports indicating that some groups planned to turn the protests into anarchy.”

The IGP detailed how initial warnings advised the protest organizers to either cancel or confine their demonstrations to specific areas to ensure safety. Despite these recommendations, the protests unfolded with significant violence, including looting and destruction of property.

“Protest leaders were not present to manage the crowds, leading to unchecked looting and attacks on businesses and government buildings,” he continued. “In cities such as Kano, Borno, and Abuja, police stations have been targeted, and there have been attempts to overrun government buildings.”

The IGP also noted incidents of violence against security personnel, including the murder of a policeman and injuries to others. In Lagos, an improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered and safely defused by the police. In Borno State, an explosion in the midst of protesters resulted in four deaths and 34 injuries.

Egbetokun urged citizens to heed warnings from the police and other security agencies, emphasizing that the police are on high alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threats. He appealed for calm and cooperation from the public to help maintain peace and order.

“The safety of all Nigerians remains our top priority,” Egbetokun concluded. “We will continue to work with other security agencies to ensure stability and protect lives and property across the country.”

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