Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), made a statement on Friday in which he assured citizens that the Nigerian army is prepared to take decisive action if the ongoing protests in the country escalate further. Musa provided this assurance while responding to inquiries from journalists regarding the current levels of violence that have been witnessed in various parts of the nation.
Since the previous day, Nigerians from different walks of life have taken to the streets to express their discontent in light of the hardships they are facing, including hunger and an array of socio-economic challenges that have become increasingly burdensome. The protests have manifested as a collective outcry against the difficult living conditions many citizens are experiencing.
Unfortunately, amidst the legitimate protests, opportunistic hoodlums took advantage of the situation on Thursday by hijacking the protests, leading to incidents of vandalism and theft, where they looted properties belonging to innocent citizens. This troubling development has raised concerns about the safety and security of both the protesters and the general public.
In his reaction to these unfolding events, Musa emphasized that the military is currently on high alert and remains fully prepared to take necessary measures to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further if protests continue to escalate. The military’s readiness is intended to safeguard the peace and order of the nation during these turbulent times.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has publicly commended the National Council for Civil Society of Nigeria for choosing not to participate in the ongoing protests. This commendation reflects a recognition of the council’s decision to prioritize dialogue and engagement over demonstrations during this period of unrest.
Abubakar went on to highlight the various initiatives being undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he believes are aimed at turning the economy around for the benefit of all Nigerians. He expressed confidence in the president’s efforts, stating, “He is just one year in office and he has done very well,” adding his belief that with persistence and the implementation of these initiatives, citizens will soon begin to witness positive changes and tangible results in their daily lives, ultimately improving the socio-economic conditions across the nation.
