Protest: UK, U.S. Canada issue security alerts to citizens in Nigeria

NLC 1

An NLC protest in Lagos (used for illustrative purpose)

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Three countries, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada have issued security alerts to their citizens over the nationwide protest scheduled to take place across Nigeria from 1 August.

In their separate advisories, the three countries warned their citizens in Nigeria to avoid areas where the protests will take place during the period because of the potential for violence.

They also advised their citizens to keep off from areas where confrontations between security agencies and protesters might occur.

In its advisory, the UK High Commission alerted her citizens in Nigeria that protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in major cities like Abuja and Lagos.

It therefore urged British nationals to exercise caution, avoid large crowds, and stay informed through media reports. The High Commission noted that previous protests have turned violent with little warning.

“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,” the UK High Commission said in its advisory.

In the same vein, Canadian government alerted its citizens about the demonstrations, cautioning them to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation.

It also warned that protests could become violent unexpectedly.

The Canadian government therefore urged its citizens to remain vigilant, adherence to local authorities’ instructions, and ensure continuous monitoring of local media for updates.

“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,” the Canadian government said in the advisory.

Also, the U.S Mission in Nigeria urged Americans to avoid the rallies, steer clear of crowds and demonstrations and stay updated about the protests by monitoring news on local media.

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In the advisory, the Mission warns of potential for roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations during the protests.

“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,” the Mission said.

Don’t Join Protests

Meanwhile, The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), North-West Geopolitical Zone, has urged Nigerian youth and public to shun the proposed nationwide protests.

The PCRC made the appeal in a communique issued on Monday in Kaduna by Alhaji Sadiq Isa, Assistant National Secretary, on behalf of the National Vice Chairman of the zone, Haruna Dangyatin, Speaker, House of Assembly. .

The communique arose from its meeting held on Sunday in Kaduna.

He said: “The Meeting resolved no executive or member of the PCRC shall participate in the proposed protests and has called on the Nigerian youths and the public to shun the proposed protests scheduled to take place Aug 1

“The PCRC advises all to reconsider their stand and believe in the government as they are working around the clock to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, especially the masses.”

Isa further said PCRC, ,Zonal and State commands’ Chairmen have continued with stakeholder engagements to allow for peaceful resolutions on the demands of Nigerians as a result of the economic situation.

“The committee under the leadership of Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan stands with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun , to continue to serve the nation diligently.

”He has directed all PCRC Executives and members to use all their powers to protect the Nigeria Police.

“We will give adequate protection to the their stations, properties and vehicles in their various commands in case of attacks on them, ” Isa said.

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