NIGERIAN SECURITY AGENCIES AND PROTESTS

The recent Free Nnamdi Kanu protest, which witnessed the brutalisation and arrest of journalists and protesters, is to say the least, unfortunate and deeply worrisome. Once again, Nigerian security agencies, especially the police, have come under public scrutiny for their poor handling of peaceful demonstrations. A recurring challenge that continues to stain the nation’s democratic credentials.

For the umpteenth time, journalists performing their lawful duties have fallen victim to police brutality while covering protests. This growing disregard for press freedom and citizens’ rights undermines the essence of democracy and erodes public trust in state institutions. The attack on reporters and peaceful demonstrators is not just unlawful, it is a violation of constitutional rights and a dent on Nigeria’s global image.

It is instructive to recall that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled unequivocally that security agencies cannot stop peaceful protests. The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, yet successive administrations have continued to violate this fundamental right. Using the machinery of the state to suppress citizens who gather peacefully in exercise of their democratic freedoms reflects an unfortunate pattern of governance that prioritises control over dialogue.

The role of security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, should be to protect protesters and ensure that demonstrations are not hijacked by hoodlums. Instead, the police often become aggressors, turning peaceful gatherings into chaotic scenes of violence and fear. The use of tear gas, intimidation, and mass arrests only heightens tensions and deepens the divide between the people and those meant to protect them.

Even more disturbing is the growing trend of deploying soldiers onto the streets during peaceful protests. This militarisation of civil spaces is unacceptable and must be condemned in its entirety. Nigeria is not in a war situation, and such heavy-handed tactics evoke painful memories of the #EndSARS protests, where the use of force led to tragic loss of lives. The nation must not repeat that dark chapter.

The continued use of excessive force by security agencies also signals a worrying lack of accountability. Officers who brutalise civilians or journalists are rarely investigated, let alone punished, thereby emboldening others to repeat the same acts with impunity. Without decisive disciplinary action, the culture of abuse will persist, eroding citizens’ confidence in law enforcement and deepening resentment towards the government.

Moreover, there is an urgent need for comprehensive police reform and human rights education within the ranks of all security agencies. Peaceful protests are not acts of rebellion but legitimate means through which citizens voice grievances and demand change. By understanding this, security personnel can better manage demonstrations with professionalism and restraint, ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy grows stronger through dialogue rather than force.

While the case of Nnamdi Kanu remains before the courts, the federal government must respect all subsisting court orders. Ignoring judicial pronouncements not only breeds public suspicion but also portrays the government as being above the law. The Attorney General of the Federation, a seasoned legal practitioner, must ensure that the rights of peaceful protesters are respected and that all court directives are duly implemented.

Democracy thrives when citizens can freely express dissent without fear of intimidation or violence. The government must, therefore, rise above political interests and uphold the rule of law. Security agencies should be retrained and reoriented to understand that their duty is to serve the people, not suppress them.

Nigeria’s democratic journey can only progress when both the government and its security apparatus learn to respect the voices of the people. True democracy is not about silencing opposition; it is about listening, engaging, and protecting the rights of every citizen.

Tochukwu Jimo Obi, Abuja