Due to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, generally known as Shiites, planning a nationwide protest, the US Embassy in Nigeria has advised American nationals living there to exercise caution and take security precautions.
This was due to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command’s assurance that citizens would have sufficient protection both during and after the period.
The US embassy states that the demonstration is scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2024, and that it would mostly take place in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
“According to social media reports, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has called for demonstrations to be held in Abuja and other major cities on Friday, April 5,” the US embassy stated in a statement on Thursday.
Roadblocks, gridlock in the streets, and violent altercations between demonstrators and Nigerian security personnel are all possible aspects of demonstrations.
The locations in Abuja may include Bannex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, National Human Rights Commission Head Office, Eagle Square, Area 10 Shopping Plaza, National Mosque, Al-Noor Mosque, and Fouad Lababidi Mosque, though no precise times or locations were given. This is based on prior demonstrations.
What to do: stay away from the area, keep an eye on the local media for updates, stay away from crowds and rallies, be alert, evaluate your personal security preparations, keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency, and carry the appropriate identification.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, stated that the command has implemented impenetrable security in the area to thwart any attempts at security breach, even though the police were unable to verify the development.
Adeh stated, “The FCT Police Command has a very tight security system for any effort to break security. We can’t validate this assertion, though. The Easter celebration deployment is still in place and sustainable; it will be extended through the next Sallah holidays and beyond.
“In cooperation with other sister security agencies, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennet Igweh, and his officers and men are working tirelessly to ensure that residents of the FCT continue to enjoy peace without fears and apprehension from any quarters.”