Protests have taken different dimensions in Nigeria for decades, even before 1960. Social issues like colonialism, slavery, unemployment, continuous inflation, and corruption have been challenged by activists in Nigeria. The era when Iwe Iroyin was a powerful tool to reveal the people's discontent with unfavorable activities like the slave trade was between 1859-1867. This period gave the Egba people total freedom from the British using the Dahomey Kingdom to entrap them. Nonetheless, the Aba Women's Riot, which featured dance and singing as tools of peaceful protest to demand reduced taxes, was a huge success. It resulted in the resignation of some local stooges appointed by the British authority to rule the region.

Different unions have staged protests in Nigeria. This was first notable among the Railway Workers Union in 1945. Various unions, such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and others, have established their demands through protests since the 2000s. It should also be noted that students in many academic institutions in Nigeria have staged peaceful protests to express their grievances about governance in their institutions.

It is important to remember the peaceful protest over the hike in petrol price in Nigeria in 2010. The fuel was raised from N65 per litre to N141 per litre. The protest was tagged "OccupyNigeria" which highlighted the hardships the petrol price hike would pose to Nigerians. It was reported that the government heard the voices of the masses and granted their request - overturned the price to N97 per litre.

PEACEFUL BUT END IN MAYHEM

The protest staged in 2020 by Nigerian youths tagged "EndSARS" was the first peaceful protest among civilians that later ended in violence and brutality. Despite starting peacefully and in harmony, with youths demanding the end of SARS due to illegal activities and harassment by the Nigeria Police Force, it was reported that their request was granted, leading to the creation of SWAT within the NPF. The protest gained global attention through social media platforms, particularly Twitter (now X). Unfortunately, the protest was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, resulting in total violence. Many government properties were destroyed, lives were lost, commuters were stranded due to multiple roadblocks, especially in Lagos State, and there were difficulties accessing food from markets.

During the cash crunch in January/February 2023, another peaceful protest was planned and staged following the restrictions on citizens' access to cash due to money reprinting. Mayhem was later unleashed on banks, with some workers becoming victims during the protest.

SECURITY FORCES TO CURB MAYHEM

If protests are a way for the masses to express their grievances and remind those in power about their inconsistencies and the hardships they impose on citizens, why should a protest turn into mayhem? It is, therefore, important for security forces to distinguish between peaceful and unarmed protesters and troublemakers. One of the civilians' interests is to prevent any form of mayhem. Security forces need a standby strategy to quickly mitigate any potential violence.

AN UNFORESEEN WATCHFUL SCENE

Another protest is circulating in Nigeria with the tag "EndBadGovernmentInNigeria". It is said to be staged throughout the federation by the youths from 1st of August through 10th of August. Should we ask a very important question? If the protest starts peacefully, will it not result in violence? This should be a crucial question for everyone in Nigeria and highlights the necessity for security forces to always be alert and ready to take swift action when required.