Protest: US Embassy Asks Staff to Remain at Home, Raises Concern Over Likely Terror Attacks

• The U.S. Mission in Nigeria advised some staff to stay home on August 1-2 due to planned nationwide protests over soaring costs of living
• The advisory warned of potential terror attacks, cautioning to avoid protest areas and crowds, monitor local media, and review personal security plans

The United States Mission in Nigeria has advised some of its staff to stay home on the first two days of the planned nationwide protests set to begin on August 1. Nigerians, particularly the youth, have called for demonstrations due to the soaring costs of living, which have spiked since President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy and eased foreign exchange controls after taking office in May last year. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation reached a record high of 34.19 percent in June, with food inflation exceeding 40.87 percent.

The police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) have cautioned against Kenya-style protests. Politicians have been appealing to the youth to cancel the rallies, fearing they might escalate like the EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020. Despite these appeals, the youth remains determined to proceed with the protests.

In an emergency warning on Wednesday night, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos instructed essential staff to operate only on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and Friday, August 2, 2024. Non-essential staff were advised to stay home to avoid disruptions from the protests.

The advisory reads: “Media reports indicate that protesters are expected to begin gathering at Eagles Square in Abuja mid to late morning. In Lagos, protests may start as early as 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m., and primary locations have been identified as Alausa Park, Freedom Park, and Peace Park.

“Additional possible protest sites in Lagos include Nahco Bus Stop (Airport Road), Marwa Bus Stop (Lekki-Epe Expressway), and Ikeja ‘Under the Bridge’ (Intersection of Obafemi Awolowo and Allen Avenue).

“However, protests may occur at other times and locations in Abuja and Lagos, as well as in other cities and population centres in Nigeria over the coming days. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations.

“There is a risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, and terrorist groups may take advantage of opportunities created during the potential nationwide protests to conduct attacks.”

The advisory further urged: “Avoid the areas of the protest; avoid crowds; exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests; monitor local media for updates; be aware of your surroundings; keep a low profile; verify flight schedules with your airline, if you have travel plans; review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; and carry proper identification.”