Soldiers Prevent Protesters from attacking Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
On Thursday, Nigerian Army soldiers successfully thwarted an attempt by protesters to storm the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The group, armed with sticks and leaves, was heading toward the airport when troops stationed at the junction to the Presidential Fleet intervened.
Despite the soldiers’ efforts to de-escalate the situation, the protesters, defying entreaties from both the military and other security personnel, remained determined to reach the airport. In response, the soldiers maintained composure, managing to control the crowd and redirect them away from the airport.
Motorists fled the area as tensions heightened, and the protesters, angry and resistant, threw stones and other objects at the security forces. However, the soldiers, alongside designated leaders of the protest, worked to calm the situation and guide the crowd away from the airport vicinity.
In parallel, the Abuja-Kubwa-Kaduna road saw significant disruptions. Protesters blocked the road, causing a severe traffic jam and compelling motorists to display leaves on their vehicles in solidarity with the demonstrators. There was a minor confrontation between police and protesters near Efab Metropolitan Estate, with some protesters retaliating against tear gas with the canisters fired at them.
Despite the chaos, the protesters focused their chants on demanding reduced living costs and did not attack motorists. The scene, marked by scattered debris including leaves, sticks, and stones, reflected the intensity of the protest but also the successful containment efforts by security forces.
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