Protest: Police, soldiers take over National Assembly, Eagle Square

Scores of security personnel, including the police and military have taken over National Assembly Complex entrance and Eagles Square ahead of the August 1 nationwide hunger protest.

It was learnt that the heavy security presence is aimed at preventing protesters from gathering at Eagle Square where they had planned to demonstrate against the country’s worsening food crisis and economic hardship.

The Guardian also observed a significant security build-up at the National Assembly complex with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Department of State Service (DSS), deployed at the entrance.

The security operatives were seen conducting thorough checks on both staff and visitors attempting to enter the complex,

Recall that a group, Take It Back Movement, had written to the minister requesting the use of Eagle Square for its protest on August 1, as well as the provision of security and utilities for the duration of the protest.

In its letter signed by its Director of Mobilization, Damilare Adenola, on Friday, the group also stated that the minister must “ensure the provision of a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for the convenience of Nigerian citizens who will be camped out at Eagle Square