The recent violent dispersal of protests in Nigeria by security forces highlights the severe economic and social challenges facing the country. On Saturday, Nigerian security forces, including the secret service, fired bullets and teargas at protesters and journalists during demonstrations in Abuja. These protests are driven by the country’s worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, compounded by accusations of misgovernment and corruption. Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s top oil producers, struggles with extreme poverty among its citizens.
The Associated Press documented the aftermath, revealing bullet holes in a journalist's car and live bullets at the protest site. Amnesty International Nigeria reported that at least 50 journalists were arrested in Abuja alone, with nearly 700 protesters detained nationwide. The Nigerian police confirmed nine officers were injured and claimed seven fatalities among protesters, although they denied responsibility for these deaths. Amnesty International, however, asserts that at least nine protesters were killed by security forces.
The protests, which have entered their third day, underscore the frustrations of Nigerians facing economic hardship and governance issues. At the Nigerian national stadium, police used teargas to disperse the crowd, followed by armed secret service operatives who targeted journalists, even though they were clearly identified as media personnel. Journalists, including Abdulqudus Ogundapo, expressed fear for their safety as they were caught in the gunfire.
Nigeria's ranking of 112th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index reflects the dangerous environment for journalists. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) reported 31 attacks on journalists since the protests began. Adebayo Aare of CJID criticized security officials for deliberately targeting journalists instead of providing protection. The ongoing violence against protesters and journalists is a stark reminder of the broader issues of state brutality and lack of accountability in Nigeria.
