As the August 1st nationwide protest kicked off today, the streets of Lagos are eerily deserted, with armed security personnel strategically positioned throughout the metropolis.
As of 7 am, Vanguard’s checks revealed that the CP Tactical Squad of the Lagos State Police Command had been stationed at Egbeda Bus Stop, closely monitoring the situation. The normally bustling roads are largely empty, with only commercial buses, known as Danfos, operating.
The typically busy Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals were devoid of buses, leaving stranded passengers scrambling to board the available Danfos. Numerous banks, eateries, fuel stations, superstores, and other business enterprises remained closed.
Meanwhile, some miscreants were spotted on major roads such as Ikotun, Egbeda, Dopemu, Ikeja, and Ojota, socializing, consuming alcohol, and smoking.
By 7:30 am, there were no visible signs of protests, but armed special task forces and Rapid Response Squad personnel were deployed in large numbers across the city. A police helicopter was observed conducting aerial surveillance.
Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) and police vans were stationed at key locations, including Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and Peace Park in the Ojota area, to maintain order and prevent any potential disruptions.
