The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has expressed concern about the potential of violent elements to hijack the planned nationwide protest against hardship.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said that intelligence reports show that the protest is a ploy to replicate what happened in Kenya.
He noted that the planned protest bears similarities to violent and unresolved events in Kenya.
“There are strong indicators that unscrupulous elements plan to hijack the process, leading to anarchy,” he told journalists.
However, he declared that the military will not allow the nation to descend into chaos and will take action to prevent violent occurrences.
Major-Gen Buba said: “Intelligence at the Military’s disposal showed the protest would be hijacked by some unscrupulous elements.
“The aim of the protest is to show you what is happening in Kenya. And I would add that what is happening in Kenya in terms of the protest, one, is violence. Two, it remains unresolved as we speak now.
“And based on what has been gathered, there are plans by some unscrupulous elements to hijack this protest and make sure that it turns violent.
“When it turns violent, I want to tell you what we have seen as it would likely happen.
“The constitution is clear on the military’s role and involvement. Citizens have the right to peaceful protest, but not to mobilize for anarchy and unleash terror.”
He cited potential targets, including individuals with basic possessions, places of worship, businesses, and markets.
General Buba urged citizens to recognize the unique circumstances surrounding this protest.
He called for calm to allow the government address the situation and restore national prosperity.
