Nigerian security forces clashed with protesters during mass demonstrations over the country’s economic crisis, resulting in at least nine deaths. The military threatened to intervene to quell any violence, and there were reports that a police officer was killed. In addition, a bomb went off in a crowd of protesters in the state of Borno, killing four people and injuring 34 others. Police continued to use tear gas against protesters, prompting the military to threaten further intervention to prevent looting and destruction of public properties.
Several curfews were imposed in northern states following the violence, with more than 400 protesters arrested by Friday. Despite the curfews, protesters defied restrictions in some areas, leading to further confrontations with law enforcement. National police chief Kayode Egbetokun stated that police were on high alert and may request military assistance to address the situation. Amnesty International independently verified reports of deaths, with witnesses, victims’ families, and lawyers confirming the fatalities.
The protests were primarily driven by food shortages and allegations of mismanagement and corruption in Nigeria, despite the country’s status as one of Africa’s top oil producers. The cost-of-living crisis, driven by record-high inflation and economic policies devaluing the local currency, has exacerbated existing challenges faced by the population. Protesters demanded the reinstatement of gas and electricity subsidies, arguing that the cancellations under economic reforms had worsened their living conditions.
Violence and looting were concentrated in northern states, which have been particularly affected by hunger and insecurity. Protesters were seen carrying looted goods, indicating the severity of the economic situation in those areas. While the police chief maintained that security forces aimed to maintain peace, rights groups and activists disputed this claim. Amnesty International’s Nigeria director alleged that security personnel used tactics that resulted in deliberate killings during the protests, challenging the police’s assertion of peaceful efforts.
There were concerns that the protests, fueled by social media campaigns, could escalate into a situation similar to the 2020 demonstrations against police brutality or the recent violent tax hike protests in Kenya. However, analysts suggested that the responses by security forces may have been excessive and not warranted by the nature of the protests. Human Rights Watch’s Nigerian researcher criticized the security personnel’s actions, stating that the level of force used was disproportionate to the circumstances.
As the situation continued to unfold, with clashes between protesters and security forces intensifying, the Nigerian government faced mounting pressure to address the economic crisis and respond to the grievances of the population. The violence and instability resulting from the protests underscored the deep-rooted challenges facing the country, including widespread poverty, corruption, and economic inequalities. Moving forward, it will be crucial for the authorities to engage with the protesters, address their demands, and take concrete steps to address the underlying issues contributing to the economic crisis and social unrest in Nigeria.
