The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has warned that the military will take over if the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests persist violently.
The warning was given on Friday by Gen Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) while speaking in reaction to the vandalisation and looting of properties that characterised the protest in many parts since the commencement of the protest.
He said, “We know we are challenged as a nation, but we will overcome by working together as Nigerians. Let us avoid actions that could bring chaos.
“Yesterday’s events were alarming, with people breaking into homes and stealing. We won’t allow this to continue. The Armed Forces and security agencies are ready to intervene professionally, and offenders will be prosecuted.”
He added, “Many believe looting is their only opportunity, but we have arrested those responsible and they will face legal consequences.”
The Chief of Defence Staff’s warning is in line with the earlier threats made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday.
Egbetokun had disclosed that there are plans to involve the Armed Forces if things get out of control during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
Egbetokun had disclosed this while hosting a Zoom meeting with concerned prominent human rights lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), Take-It-Back Movement, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, and various civil society organisations on Tuesday afternoon, which was monitored by SaharaReporters.
The police chief had stated that soldiers will be asked to monitor public demonstrations if there are sufficient reasons to believe that what happened during the 2020 #EndSARS protests would reoccur.
