Military On High Alert About Protest
Military sources revealed on Monday that troops had been placed on high alert and were ready to support the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining law and order during the nationwide protests scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, 20XX.
The Director of Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that troops would provide support to the police as part of their constitutional mandate, particularly in the event of a breakdown of law and order. In Bauchi State, the 33 Artillery Brigade also confirmed its readiness to assist the police if called upon.
Meanwhile, in Borno State, the Division 7 spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel A.Y. Jingina, said troops were on “high alert” and prepared to support the police in enforcing law and order ahead of the Independence Day celebration. Jingina emphasized that the military had always been supportive of the police whenever they had been called upon.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the police command announced that it had started deploying personnel and equipment for the Independence Day celebration. However, the command remained tight-lipped about its preparations for the expected protests.
As the nation braces for both celebration and potential unrest, the role of the military in maintaining peace and stability during this period is under scrutiny. Some senior lawyers and civil society organizations have warned against the deployment of troops during the protests, arguing that it could aggravate the situation and lead to violence.
The protests, which have been ongoing since August, have seen incidents of looting and violence, with some participants waving Russian flags and calling for regime change. In response, authorities have arrested several protesters and confiscated Russian flags, with one of the producers arrested in Kano.
As the country marks its 64th Independence Day amid the backdrop of ongoing protests, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The government has to strike a delicate balance between protecting citizens’ right to peaceful protest and maintaining order and security.
Meanwhile, Reverend Chris Okotie, a prominent Nigerian cleric, has called on Nigerians to reinforce their faith in God, asserting that the country’s destiny is assured by divine providence. Okotie’s message underscores the central role of spirituality in Nigerian society and the importance of maintaining hope in the face of trouble.
