Published 1st Oct, 2024

By Opeyemi Lawal

Ahead of the #FearlessInOctober protest, security operatives gathered at Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos. They were anticipating potential demonstrations from protesters on Tuesday.

At 8:57 am, no protesters were around the park, but FIJ counted at least 16 security vehicles, excluding those of the Nigerian Army.

The security presence at the park is pronounced with the personnel of the different security outfits armed to the teeth. Some of the security outfits FIJ saw were the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Lagos State Taskforce.

Security vehicles and operatives gathered at Freedom Park in Ojota. PHOTO CREDIT Opeyemi Lawal/FIJ

Security vehicles and operatives gathered in Ojota. PHOTO CREDIT: Opeyemi Lawal/FIJ

More security vehicles and operatives in Ojota. PHOTO CREDIT: Opeyemi Lawal/FIJ

FIJ also observed military personnel and vehicles on the opposite side of the road, near Peace Park. Other vehicles displaying the insignia of Operation MESA — a joint internal security force involving the Army, Navy and Air Force — were spotted alongside two armoured tanks.

Traders in the area confirmed that security personnel had been present since Monday, with plans to return for further surveillance on Wednesday.

Some individuals in green caps, afilliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), were also seen at the scene. Journalists who tried to enter the Freedom Park were denied access by the police as at press time. The reason, according to the security operatives, is that the journalists don’t have the green caps.

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