SITUATION

The police are understandably demoralised by the fury of the attacks on them during mid-October, which reportedly resulted in 22 policemen killed, 26 seriously injured, at least 10 weapons stolen and over 100 police stations vandalised of burnt down.

 As part of efforts to reinforce zones of particularly violent unrest during the trouble, the police withdrew its mobile police (MoPol) assets from a range of clients, compromising the travel management of a wide number of national and international organisations. The MoPol are unlikely to be reassigned to these clients in the short term as the police still feel besieged, remaining unwilling to respond to emergency calls and only leaving barracks to patrol in force.

On 24 October President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation, calling on youths to stop their violent protest in order to prevent further breakdown of law and order. Although his plea appeared to strike a chord, the police had retrenched in barracks, shocked by the ferocity of attacks against them. The resultant unpoliced space gave free reign to the impoverished and hugely frustrated populace to loot and plunder at will. A wave of looting and vandalising of public and private property followed, with warehouses storing food items receiving special attention. 71 government warehouses and 248 private warehouses were reportedly looted with even windows, doors and the corrugated tin off the roof being taken away.

ASSESSMENT

#EndSARS campaigners now have a wider aspiration for the complete reorganisation of Nigeria’s police force. The movement continues its campaign, with further protests planned.

Police morale has been massively damaged. This has led to a lack of confidence as to their place in society and a fear that they will not be able to deliver their role with any degree of safety. However, the level of resultant disorder does appear to be prompting calls for public support of the police, who are being invited to redeploy to provide day to day order on the streets.  Time and considerable investment is needed before some sense of  normalcy will return. In the meantime, everyone faces higher security risk.

ADVICE

International and national staff of client organisations are recommended to maintain situational awareness of local protest events and to minimise movement until the situation normalises.

International personnel should register and maintain links with their diplomatic missions for further guidance.

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