The United States, United Kingdom and Canada have issued security alerts to their citizens in Nigeria, cautioning them about the potential for violence amid the scheduled nationwide protests.
The warnings followed the heightened tension over the planned nationwide protests against hunger and hardship in Nigeria which is slated to commence from August 1, 2024.
In separate travel advisories, the three countries cautioned their citizens to avoid areas where confrontations between security agencies and protesters might occur.
In its advisory, the US Mission in Abuja urged Americans to avoid the rallies, advising them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and stay updated via local media.
The alert highlighted the potential for roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations, stating, “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”.
Similarly, the UK High Commission warned that protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in major cities like Abuja and Lagos.
British nationals were advised to exercise caution, avoid large crowds, and stay informed through media reports, noting that previous protests have turned violent with little warning.
The advisory read, “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 that 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”.
For its part, the Canadian government also alerted its citizens about the demonstrations, cautioning them to expect disruptions in traffic and public transportation, warning that protests could become violent unexpectedly.
The countries advised vigilance, adherence to local authorities’ instructions, and continuous monitoring of local media for updates.
The advisory noted, “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.”
These advisories reflect heightened concerns over the planned nationwide protests and their potential impact on safety and security in Nigeria.
