#Endbadgovernance protest: Nigeria police on red alert

The #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria has taken a violent turn, with cases of violence reported on the first day of the protest. The Nigeria Police have been put on red alert following the death of an officer and the destruction of several police stations. Suspected hoodlums have been blamed for hijacking the protests in various parts of the country, prompting concerns about the maintenance of law and order. In response to the escalating situation, there are discussions about potentially partnering with the military to address the crisis. As the situation unfolds, security expert Dennis Amachree, the CEO of Zoomlens Security Solutions, shared insights on the implications of the protest and the broader security landscape in Nigeria. Amachree raised critical points about the role of the military, the impact of recent terrorist activities, and the conduct of security agencies during the protests. He emphasized the need for effective communication between the government and the people to prevent further escalation of the unrest. The CEO highlighted the distinct functions of the police and the military, noting that while the police are trained to serve and protect, the military's training focuses on defense and combat. Amachree cautioned against the over-reliance on the military in addressing internal security issues, as their intervention could potentially lead to a more lethal response than necessary. He stressed the importance of maintaining the democratic balance and ensuring that security forces operate within their designated roles. Regarding the security implications of the recent bombing in Borno State, Amachree linked the attack to the opportunistic behavior of terrorist groups like ESWAP. He noted that such groups seek to exploit moments of instability, such as protests, to further their destructive agendas. The expert called for proactive measures to contain and eliminate terrorism threats to prevent spillover effects into other regions of the country. In assessing the response of security agencies to the protests, Amachree underscored the need for a nuanced approach based on the specific context of each region. While acknowledging instances of positive engagement between protesters and law enforcement in the south, he criticized the lack of preparedness in states like Kano, where violence erupted. The security expert highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and strategic planning to prevent the escalation of unrest and safeguard public safety. Looking ahead, Amachree expressed uncertainty about the potential outcomes of the protests, cautioning that without meaningful dialogue and action from the government, the unrest could persist. He called for direct engagement from the country's leadership, particularly urging President Buhari to address the concerns raised by the protesters in a national broadcast. The security expert emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of the unrest and prevent further deterioration of the security situation. As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of the #EndBadGovernance protest and its aftermath, the insights shared by Dennis Amachree serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of effective governance, security, and dialogue in addressing the grievances of the populace. The road ahead remains uncertain, but the call for meaningful engagement and proactive steps to restore order and trust between the government and the people rings loud and clear.