October 1 Protests: Police Bolster Security as APC and Opposition Tensions Rise

As the scheduled October 1 protests draw near, police forces across several states have heightened security measures, while protest organizers remain resolute in their plan to hold nationwide demonstrations on Independence Day. Investigations by The PUNCH reveal that law enforcement has been positioned in key areas to avert any possible unrest.

Should the demonstrations proceed, it will be the second major wave of protests in the last two months, with Nigerians raising their voices against the current state of affairs. Their grievances stem from the recent surge in fuel prices, hikes in electricity tariffs, and the rapidly depreciating value of the naira—consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Protest Goals and Locations

The protest, tagged #FearlessOctober1, is positioned as an extension of the #EndBadGovernance protests held earlier in August. Organizers argue that the government has failed to address the pressing issues of hunger, skyrocketing living costs, insecurity, and extravagant government spending, which has spurred this new movement.

Protest locations have been identified, with Abuja’s Eagle Square, the venue for the official Independence Day parade, and Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos as key meeting points for demonstrators.

Human rights activist and key protest leader, Omoyele Sowore, confirmed that all preparations for the event are in place, with plans for the protest to begin promptly at 7 a.m. on October 1.

“We’re fully prepared. The protest kicks off at 7 a.m. sharp. We aren’t hiding,” Sowore declared.

Police Reinforcements Nationwide

Across the country, state police commands are taking proactive measures to prevent any public disorder. In Niger State, security personnel have been deployed to key areas, with visible patrols already in place in Minna, the state capital. The state’s police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the deployment of officers and operational resources to deter any potential disturbances.

In Kano State, law enforcement has also ramped up security efforts. Abdullahi Haruna, the state’s police spokesperson, confirmed that they had engaged with the Nigerian Patriotic Front Movement, a group planning a peaceful demonstration, to warn of the risks involved, given the state’s volatility. Similarly, Kaduna State police have increased security to avoid any violent incidents akin to those that occurred during previous protests.

Kogi State Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, urged protesters to be patient and give the government more time to resolve the economic challenges. While recognizing their right to peaceful assembly, Onuoha stressed the importance of ensuring that the protests are not hijacked by opportunistic hoodlums, leading to chaos.

Police Vigilance in Other States

In Nasarawa, police forces have been deployed across all 13 local government areas to maintain peace during the Independence Day celebrations. Borno State’s police command has also positioned officers in strategic locations to keep the peace.

Meanwhile, Katsina State’s Police Command has ramped up security by deploying human and intelligence resources to maintain law and order across the state. In Kwara State, police officers have engaged with protest organizers to discuss routes and ensure that security measures are in place during the protest. Police commands in Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, and Sokoto, despite no formal protest notifications, remain on high alert.

Southern States Mobilize

In southern Nigeria, police commands are also on guard. Ogun State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed the deployment of officers to key locations in the state to prevent any potential disturbances. Similarly, Bayelsa State’s police force confirmed that tactical units are on standby to safeguard public order.

In Rivers State, police officials have vowed to ensure law and order throughout the state, while Edo State remains vigilant after the recently concluded governorship elections. Cross River State’s police command emphasized their determination to prevent a repeat of the large-scale destruction witnessed during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The command noted that unauthorized protests would not be allowed. Meanwhile, the Ebonyi police reaffirmed their readiness to keep the peace during the Independence Day celebrations.