Tension Looms As Security Forces Deploy To #OccupyNASS Protest In Abuja

By Faith Chondol Abuja

Tension rose on Tuesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja as security operatives were heavily deployed to the venue of the #OccupyNASS protest, where demonstrators gathered to demand electoral transparency and the mandatory electronic transmission of election results.

Protesters, comprising civil society groups and concerned citizens, converged at the main gate of the National Assembly to press their demands, describing the protest as a peaceful civic action. However, the presence of armed security personnel created a tense atmosphere, with many demonstrators expressing concern over what they described as excessive militarisation.

Security agencies observed at the protest venue included personnel from the Nigerian Army (Guards Brigade), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Protesters questioned the necessity of the heavy deployment, insisting that their demonstration remained peaceful and constitutionally protected. Several civil society activists criticised the move, describing it as undemocratic and unnecessary for crowd control.

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, who addressed protesters at the scene, condemned the presence of military personnel, arguing that internal security responsibilities should primarily rest with the police.

She warned that deploying
the military against unarmed protesters could undermine democratic principles and called on security operatives to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

The demonstrators maintained that their demand remained unchanged, calling for a transparent and credible electoral process through the electronic transmission of election results.

According to protest organisers, the gathering aimed to draw lawmakers’ attention to the need for reforms that would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

As of the time of filing this report, the protest remained largely peaceful, with protesters awaiting the outcome of an emergency sitting by lawmakers expected to address their concerns.