The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, Gen. Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning amid escalating protests across the nation under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.
In a press conference held in Abuja, Gen. Musa expressed concerns over the ongoing unrest, emphasizing that the military stands ready to intervene if the situation worsens beyond the capacity of the police.
“We are supporting the police all through. We are just on standby. The police are doing a good job; they are handling the situation for now. Unless it breaches beyond what they can handle, then the military will step in,” stated Gen. Musa during the conference.
The protests, initially sparked by grievances over economic challenges and governance issues, have led to widespread incidents of vandalism and looting. Gen. Musa condemned these acts, describing the recent destruction as “crazy” and warning against further mayhem.
“We saw some people breaking down houses, stealing windows and doors. It was just crazy yesterday and we don’t want that to happen again,” Gen. Musa expressed, underscoring the need for unity and understanding during these challenging times.
While acknowledging the legitimate grievances of the protesters, Gen. Musa urged Nigerians to refrain from allowing criminals to hijack the demonstrations for personal gain. He emphasized the military’s commitment to maintaining order and ensuring the prosecution of individuals involved in looting and destruction.
“We will take action professionally against anyone caught looting or stealing. Those responsible will be prosecuted accordingly,” Gen. Musa said.
As tensions remain high across Nigeria, with protests expected to continue, the CDS assured the public of the military’s vigilance and readiness to protect the nation from further chaos.
“We will not fold our arms and allow this country to be destroyed,” Gen. Musa affirmed, calling for national solidarity and responsible conduct during the protests.
