By Abiola Olawale
The governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have all issued security alerts to their citizens residing in Nigeria to be careful during the upcoming nationwide protest on August 1, 2024.
The three countries, in separate travel advisories, warned their citizens of potential violence during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
In its security advisory, the US Mission in Abuja 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 reads in part: “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.”
In the same vein, 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.
The UK High Commission also advised their citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor media reports.
The advisory reads in part: “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.”
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,’’ the Canadian embassy stated in an updated travel advice published on its website on Saturday.
The New Diplomat reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been facing significant pressure over the economic hardship in the country.
Some Nigerians have also resolved to protest against what they regarded as “bad governance.”
The protest organisers, operating under the #EndBadGovernance movement, have been mobilising youths and civil society groups to protest against the numerous challenges rocking the country.
However, Tinubu had called on the organisers to be patient with his government as it works to address Nigeria’s challenges, assuring that reforms by his administration will pay off in the long run.
