On Monday, just three days before the planned nationwide hunger protests on August 1, Nigerian Army officials initiated an unplanned stop-and-search operation in Abuja.
The operation caused significant delays for commuters on the Keffi-Abuja expressway, as soldiers set up a roadblock at Sani Abacha Barracks near the AYA roundabout, resulting in a traffic jam stretching over 12 kilometers to Nyanya Bridge.
Many civil servants and traders from areas such as Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, and Masaka were caught in the congestion for hours and had to return home. News Central reports that Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest against economic challenges and poor governance.
The government has urged the organizers to call off the protests, citing concerns over potential harm to lives and property.
Following reports from the Nigeria Police about foreign mercenaries allegedly supporting the protests to incite chaos, several groups have withdrawn.
Nevertheless, the organizers maintain that the protest will proceed from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
