In a dramatic escalation of tensions, operatives from the State Security Services (SSS) and the police fired live ammunition and tear gas at peaceful protesters and journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
The incident occurred at the MKO Abiola Stadium, where a protest against poor governance was taking place.
The confrontation began around 10:15 a.m. when a small group of protesters gathered at the stadium’s main entrance. Heavy police and military presence surrounded the area.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, FCT, Ishyaku Shuaibu, addressed the media, stating, “We are here to monitor the protests to ensure it’s peaceful.”
However, shortly after his departure, the police began deploying tear gas against the demonstrators, causing chaos.
At about 12:15 p.m., the situation intensified when several SSS vehicles arrived. Masked SSS officers, armed and dressed in black, emerged from Toyota Sienna vans and began to fire live rounds into the crowd. One SSS official aimed directly at journalists, shattering the windscreen of a vehicle and piercing the trunk of a car transporting PREMIUM TIMES journalists.
A witness described the scene: “An SSS officer, masked and in black, started firing at journalists covering the protests. The bullets hit several vehicles and created panic among the crowd.”
The police, who had initially fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, continued to engage with the crowd. They were seen directing tear gas at those trying to flee and arresting individuals caught in the smoky haze. The chaotic scene led to multiple arrests and injuries.
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Earlier in the week, PREMIUM TIMES reported similar incidents where police used tear gas to break up protests. Despite these measures, demonstrators have continued their daily protests as part of a 10-day campaign against government policies, including calls for the reinstatement of petrol subsidies and reductions in public officials’ salaries.
The violence on Saturday occurred just a day after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemned attacks on journalists and called for an investigation by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The NHRC demanded accountability for the actions of security forces and a report on measures taken within 10 days.
The Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria) also warned security agencies to avoid targeting reporters covering the protests.