As threats of a nationwide protest against hardship in Nigeria bites harder, the Defence Headquarters has issued a warning to those organizing it, emphasizing that while the military recognizes the right to protest, it will not tolerate any form of anarchy.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba issued this warning on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at a press conference in Abuja.

He stressed that the military will not permit chaos in Nigeria, revealing that there are plans by certain elements to hijack the protest and incite violence against innocent Nigerians and their businesses.

“While citizens have the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to mobilize for anarchy and unleash terror.”

The planned protest, scheduled for August 1 to August 10, 2024, is tagged #EndBadGovernance and addresses concerns about widespread hunger and inflation.

Buba pointed out that the context of the planned protest seems to mirror the violent and unresolved protests in Kenya.

“The level of violence being envisaged can only be described as a stage for anarchy. The Armed Forces will not stand by and allow anarchy to befall our nation.”

“We have seen wars and witnessed anarchy in countries where we have operated, particularly during ECOMOG missions and other peacekeeping operations,” he posited.