The Nigerian Army on Monday deployed armoured vehicles and heavily armed personnel to Filling Polo in Maiduguri, the proposed venue for a protest against rising insecurity and abductions in Borno State.
When journalists visited the area in the morning, the venue was largely empty, while some suspected protesters monitored the situation from a distance amid fears of possible confrontation.
Speaking on the development, Samaila Kaigama, leader of the organising group, said the protest was postponed because of the military presence.
According to him, the deployment intimidated residents and discouraged participation, including individuals who reportedly travelled from Ngoshe to join the demonstration.
“The state government sent military personnel there. That is what is happening now,” he said.
Kaigama stated that organisers would submit a fresh notification letter to the government and security agencies before announcing a new date for the protest.
The planned demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to worsening insecurity and increasing abduction cases in parts of Borno State.
