Daniel Otera
Nigeria’s streets, once symbols of vibrant democratic engagement, now echo with the sounds of tear gas canisters and the cries of detained activists as a wave of state-sponsored repression engulfs expressions of dissent. In 2025, the country has witnessed a sharp escalation in attacks on peaceful protests and free speech, driven by economic hardships that have pushed millions into poverty. According to Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025, authorities have increasingly resorted to arresting and prosecuting journalists, social media commentators, and protesters in response to criticism of government policies.
This crackdown, stemming from the fallout of 2023 economic reforms, has seen inflation soar to 34.19 percent by mid-2024, with food inflation exceeding 40 percent, exacerbating public unrest and prompting a heavy-handed governmental response.
The political climate in Nigeria has grown increasingly tense since the beginning of 2025, with protests becoming a prominent form of public expression against the government. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 200 protest-related incidents have occurred in Nigeria since January 2025, many of which have escalated into violence and arrests. These protests, fueled by discontent with the government, have raised serious concerns about the nation’s fragile democratic fabric. The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began in August 2024, have marked a significant turning point, continuing into 2025 as a sustained wave of demonstrations across various Nigerian states.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, initially sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s governance, gained momentum throughout 2024. The protests peaked in August 2024, leading to violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement agencies. Amnesty International’s report documented at least 24 deaths across several Nigerian states, including Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger, between August 1 and 10, 2024. These deaths were primarily the result of police using excessive force against largely peaceful gatherings, including the use of live ammunition and tear gas.
Eyewitness reports from cities like Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna paint a vivid picture of the escalation. Initially, the protests began peacefully, but as tensions rose, security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas, causing chaos and widespread panic. These violent responses prompted significant backlash and widespread condemnation, both within Nigeria and internationally, highlighting the dangers posed to the country’s democracy and the safety of its citizens.
The continuous escalation of protests, particularly the violent response from security forces, poses a significant threat to the country’s fragile democratic fabric. The unchecked use of force against peaceful protesters undermines the right to freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any democratic society. Furthermore, the increasing militarization of public protests raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, as citizens may feel deterred from expressing dissent due to the fear of violent reprisals. This growing cycle of protest and suppression threatens to destabilize the democratic process in Nigeria, with long-term consequences for its governance and the trust citizens place in their elected officials.
Eyewitness accounts from various Nigerian cities describe a troubling pattern in the protests. Initially, many protesters gathered in the mornings for peaceful demonstrations, advocating for better governance and social reforms. However, as the day wore on, clashes with police forces escalated. Protesters in Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna reported that the protests began calmly but quickly turned chaotic as law enforcement resorted to aggressive tactics, including live ammunition and tear gas. This shift from peaceful demonstrations to violent encounters not only escalated tensions but also led to numerous injuries and fatalities, highlighting the need for a more measured and restrained approach to handling public protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protests and their violent suppression reflect deeper issues within Nigeria’s political landscape. The events of August 2024 and the continued protests into 2025 illustrate the growing public dissatisfaction with the government, while the violent response by security forces raises serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country. The situation underscores the need for greater accountability, dialogue, and respect for civil liberties to ensure that Nigeria’s democratic fabric remains intact. As protests continue, it is imperative that both the government and security forces adopt more peaceful, transparent approaches to managing public dissent to prevent further escalation and safeguard the rights of citizens.
“The excessive use of force by the police against protesters contravenes international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials,” the report stated.
In 2024, Nigeria witnessed widespread protests, often referred to as the #EndBadGovernance movement, which called for reforms in the country’s governance. In response to these protests, the government arrested over 1,200 individuals nationwide, including minors, on charges ranging from treason to destruction of public property. The security response to these actions extended beyond the physical realm, with the Nigerian government using laws such as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act to target online dissent, leading to further repression of free speech.
By early 2025, reports indicated that over 1,200 individuals had been detained for participating in the protests. Among those detained, over 146 individuals, including several minors, were arraigned on various charges, including treason, destruction of public property, and inciting violence. Notably, the government’s use of such severe charges raised concerns about the proportionality of the response. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests, asserting that they were politically motivated and aimed at silencing opposition voices.
According to a report by Freedom House, the repression did not stop with the arrests. In the months following the initial crackdown, hundreds more individuals were detained, and at least 20 additional fatalities were linked to the security forces’ responses. These casualties, coupled with the growing number of arrests, painted a stark picture of the increasing authoritarian measures being taken against dissent in Nigeria. The repression, particularly in the digital realm, became more pronounced as the government turned its focus to social media platforms, where many protestors had voiced their concerns.
Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, amended in February 2024, has become one of the government’s key tools in suppressing dissent, particularly in digital spaces. Section 24, which initially targeted cyberstalking, was narrowed following criticism; however, the amendments have not reduced concerns over the law’s potential misuse. The vague language of the act allows for arbitrary interpretation, enabling authorities to arrest individuals for simply expressing critical opinions online. Critics argue that the amendment, instead of protecting citizens from cybercrimes, has weaponized the law to target journalists, activists, and citizens who challenge the government’s actions.
In May 2025, prominent civil society organizations such as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) urged President Bola Tinubu to repeal the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act. These organizations argued that the law’s vague wording and its broad interpretation could lead to widespread abuses, silencing critical voices and restricting freedom of expression. They pointed out that the law, instead of tackling cybercrimes effectively, was being used as a tool of repression. The call for repeal was grounded in the belief that the law threatened not just freedom of speech but the overall democratic space in Nigeria.
The detention of individuals, the imposition of harsh charges, and the weaponization of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act serve as stark reminders of the challenges faced by those who challenge the status quo in Nigeria. While the government argues that these measures are necessary for maintaining national security, civil society organizations have highlighted the risks of undermining freedom of expression. The continued use of laws like the Cybercrimes Act to stifle online dissent shows the urgent need for reform, not only to ensure national security but also to uphold the democratic values on which Nigeria’s constitution is founded.
“Nigerian authorities at all levels increasingly use criminal defamation laws and other repressive laws to crack down on human rights and peaceful dissent, bringing frivolous lawsuits against journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders and activists,” the joint statement read.
In recent years, press freedom in Nigeria has been increasingly threatened by the passage and enforcement of laws like the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly following its amendment in February 2024. The amended Act has been utilized to target journalists, media workers, and activists, creating an environment where reporting on sensitive issues, especially elections and protests, has led to harassment, arrests, and detentions.
Since the amendment of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act in February 2024, over 50 cases of harassment were recorded, with one notable incident involving Precious Eze Chukwunonso, a publisher, who was arrested in May 2024. He was detained for 18 days under charges of ‘conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace’ due to an article he published on a local dispute. This is part of a broader pattern of increased repression, as seen in Nigeria’s decline in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, where it ranked 122nd, a drop of 10 places. Journalists and activists have faced a growing number of physical and digital threats in Nigeria, especially during politically charged periods such as the 2023 elections. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least 14 journalists were detained or harassed during the elections. These attacks have continued into 2025, with incidents such as the arrest of photojournalist Jide Oyekunle in August 2024 while covering protests in Abuja. The situation has made Nigeria one of the most dangerous countries in West Africa for media workers.
In light of the increasing repression faced by journalists and activists in Nigeria, there is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms aimed at protecting press freedom. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other media-related laws must be re-examined to ensure they do not further suppress freedom of expression. Additionally, the government must guarantee the safety of journalists, especially women, who continue to face disproportionate challenges. International bodies and advocacy groups must continue to exert pressure on the Nigerian government to uphold its obligations under international human rights laws and create a safer environment for the media.
By January 2025, the trial of 11 key activists proceeded at the Federal High Court, postponed from November 2024, on charges of felony and inciting mutiny. The Movement for a Socialist Alternative condemned the proceedings as “political persecution,” pointing to stringent bail conditions that prolonged detention.
Activist Omoyele Sowore, publisher and former presidential candidate, faced threats of arrest upon returning from abroad in September 2024, placed on a watchlist for supporting protests; the US State Department’s 2023 Human Rights Report, updated in 2025, cited his case as emblematic of intimidation against diaspora critics.
Regional protests reveal a broader pattern of suppression. In the Southeast, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s weekly sit-at-home orders since 2021 have resulted in over 700 deaths from enforcement clashes and security raids, per SBM Intelligence’s May 2025 report, with trillions of naira in economic losses.
The trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu resumed in February 2025 on terrorism charges, following a Supreme Court ruling upholding his 2021 extradition despite rights violations.