The Nigerian military has urged both local and international media to cease coverage of the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, made the appeal during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the protests should not be given extensive media coverage.
Musa claimed that many protesters are seeking attention and wanting to be featured in the media. He assured that the military would successfully address the situation.
The call for a media blackout comes on the second day of the protests, which have disrupted commercial activities across the country.
Despite the military’s request, both local and international media have continued to report on the protests, which have seen thousands of Nigerians take to the streets to demand action on the worsening cost of living crisis.
On Thursday, reports emerged that poor telecom network coverage was hindering the dissemination of information, with sources suggesting that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Security Adviser (NSA) were intentionally slowing down internet speeds to suppress information flow.
At least 11 people were killed on the first day of the protests. The military’s call for a media blackout is reminiscent of the events during the EndSARS protests on October 20, 2020, when electricity and telecom networks were disrupted before soldiers opened fire on protesters.
The move has raised concerns about the government’s efforts to suppress information and limit freedom of expression.
