Military Won’t Condone Violent Protests - Defence Hqrts Warns

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it would not condone anarchy in the guise of a nationwide protest.

Some Nigerians and groups, under the banner of #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria, have threatened to protest against the prevailing economic hardship starting from August 1, 2024.

The Federal Government and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have warned against the protest, stating that the nation is yet to heal from the #EndSARS protest.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, said based on intelligence at its disposal, the proposed nationwide protest would be hijacked by some unscrupulous elements.

He stated, “The aim of the protest is to show you what is happening in Kenya. I would add that what is happening in Kenya in terms of the protest, one, is violence. Two, it remains unresolved as we speak now

“So did you see from that? And based on what has been gathered, there are plans by some unscrupulous elements to hijack this protest and make sure that it turns violent. When it turns violent, I want to tell you what we have seen as it would likely happen.”

Young Kenyans recently launched peaceful rallies against unpopular tax hikes but they quickly descended into deadly violence, prompting President William Ruto to drop the planned increases.

Buba said, “For instance, there are signs of status-related violence such that persons with things as basic as a smartphone and car are targets. This does not leave out those who own a house, shop, or even use air conditioners in their houses.

“Other targets include; places of worship, businesses, markets, persons of other ethnic groups and members of opposing political parties among others. Believe me, when this happens, it is nothing but a state of anarchy, lawlessness.”

Buba stated that the military would leave no stone unturned to ensure country doesn't turn anarchy