Nigerian Security Agencies Meet, Consider Shutting Down Airports Over October 1 Nationwide Protests
Top sources informed SaharaReporters that no decision had been reached yet but the police authorities were agitated about the looming protests and had plans to frustrate the demonstrations.
The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies are currently meeting in a bid to stop the #FearlessInOctober protests by Nigerians on October 1.
SaharaReporters learnt that the security agencies are considering the closure of airports over the planned nationwide protests in a bid to stiffen movements.
Top sources informed SaharaReporters that no decision had been reached yet but the police authorities were agitated about the looming protests and had plans to frustrate the demonstrations.
“Security agencies at Nigerian airports are currently meeting to consider closing down airports over the planned nationwide protests starting on October 1,” one of the sources said.
SaharaReporters earlier today reported that the Federal Capital Territory Police Command said it deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the territory, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1 Independence Day celebration.
Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the command in a statement on Monday, said the deployments were made to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration.
She added that the deployment would include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.
The statement had read in part, “The FCT Police Command, in anticipation of the upcoming October 1st Independence Day celebration, has strategically deployed adequate personnel and equipment throughout the FCT.
“These proactive deployments aim to ensure that residents of the FCT enjoy a hitch-free Independence Day celebration. The deployment will include Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel, anti-riot equipment, visibility policing, among others.
“Traffic diversions will be implemented in areas expected to experience large crowds, including Central Area and Eagle Square. While celebrating Independence Day, residents of the FCT are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the FCT Police emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, 07057337653, PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192.”
Meanwhile, the #FearlessInOctober protests are set to kick off on October 1, 2024, and will continue until the protesters’ demands are met.
Organisers have announced the convergence venues and times for the nationwide event, which aims to shine a light on pressing issues like hunger and economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The convergence points include Abuja: Eagle Square at 7.00 am; Lagos: Ikeja Under Bridge at 7:30 am; Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan at 8.00 am; Rivers State: Pleasure Park, Port Harcourt at 7:30 am; Borno: Arewa Youth For Peace Office, Damaturu Road at 8:00 am; Yobe: Damaturu Main Roundabout, opposite Old Motor Park to Maiduguri Road at 8:00 am and Kwara: Ilorin Post Office Under-bridge at 8:00 am.
The Take It Back Movement shared these details on its X handle, urging participants to gather at the designated times and locations.
This protest is a continuation of the sentiments of the #EndBadGovernance protests of August 1 -10, which also sought to address economic hardship in Nigeria and other issues.
When SaharaReporters reached out to the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, she said she was not aware of such a plan.
“I am not aware that flight operations will be closed tomorrow,” she said.
Also, the FAAN Director of Aviation Security Services, ACP Idafe Afeghai (Retd), said he had not received any instruction along that line.
“I don’t have any instruction to close flight operations,” he said.
