Military Chief Warns of Intervention if #EndBadGovernance Protests Turn Violent

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Abuja, August 2 – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has announced that the military will intervene if the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests continue to be violent.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja today, the Army chief appealed to protesters to understand that destruction is counterproductive and would only hinder the nation's progress.

“We should realise that these destructions and monies have to be used—monies for development will have to be used to develop these things so we can move forward, and so instead of doing that, we should come together to make sure nothing is destroyed," he stated.

The CDS emphasized that a statement has been passed to local, state, and federal governments, warning that the military will not stand by and see the country destroyed. "We will take action, and the action that we’ll take will be professional. Anyone who is caught will be taken to the courts to be dealt with," he said.

He urged communities to avoid actions that would bring mayhem and cited the significant destruction observed just yesterday as a reason for potential military intervention if the violence continues.

Additionally, the military chief requested that the media reduce their coverage of the protests, suggesting that some protesters are seeking screen time. “I noticed throughout yesterday all the stations were hooked up on the occasion. This is not an election, don’t give them that coverage because some of them are just looking for moments of being on the screen,” he remarked.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began across the country on Monday, August 1, have resulted in widespread destruction and looting of private and public properties in several states, particularly in the North.