Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The leader of an anti‑government group, Comrade Hassan Taiwo, has criticised the Federal Government's response to the country's worsening security crisis, stating that official efforts have been too slow and insufficient to protect citizens from banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He made the remarks on Friday, June 12, 2026, during an interview at a Democracy Day protest held in Ikeja, Lagos, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered to demand urgent action on insecurity and governance failures.
Taiwo, who spoke on behalf of the anti‑government group, expressed frustration over the persistent attacks on rural communities, the mass abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, and the rising wave of violence across the North‑West and North‑Central regions. He argued that despite repeated assurances from security agencies and government officials, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate, leaving citizens vulnerable and unprotected. He alleged that the presence of pro‑government protesters at the scene was a deliberate tactic to downplay or divert attention from the legitimate demands of anti‑government groups. According to Taiwo, the Democracy Day protests were organised to press home the urgency for stronger action on insecurity and governance challenges, and any attempt to undermine or distract from that message would not be tolerated.
The protest in Ikeja was part of a nationwide series of demonstrations organised by a coalition of civil society groups, trade unions and youth organisations to mark Democracy Day. The coalition had declared June 12 as a day of “mass action” against worsening insecurity and economic hardship. In a statement issued on June 10, the coalition demanded the immediate release of Nigerians held captive in Oyo, Borno, Ekiti, Kwara and other states, while lamenting that official assurances of improved security had failed to translate into safety on the ground. The protests coincided with the 27th anniversary of Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, a milestone that many citizens said was overshadowed by the government’s inability to protect lives and property.
The Lagos State Police Command had deployed heavily armed officers to strategic locations across the metropolis ahead of the protest, but the demonstration remained largely peaceful. Taiwo’s group was among several contingents that marched through the streets of Ikeja, carrying placards with messages such as “Enough Is Enough”, “Release Our Children Now” and “Security Is A Right, Not A Privilege”. The protest ended without incident, though organisers vowed to continue their agitation until concrete steps are taken to address the nation’s security challenges.
As of the time of this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to Taiwo’s allegations regarding the presence of pro‑government protesters. The Federal Government also did not comment directly on the protest, though President Bola Tinubu, in his Democracy Day broadcast, acknowledged that “the mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno” and expressed optimism for their safe return.
The interview with Comrade Hassan Taiwo highlighted a deep sense of frustration among many Nigerians who feel abandoned by a government that they believe has failed to prioritise their safety. As the nation continues to grapple with a security crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, the voices of protesters like Taiwo are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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