In Borno State capital, Maiduguri, a show of force tactics is deployed by the government, ahead of the planned August 1, nationwide protest.
A joint task force group, were seen going round the city in large numbers on Monday.
The task force includes army personnel in military tanks, police, Civilian JTF, Civil Defense Corp, Fire Service, BORMA and others.
According to the residents, they are seen in different location within the city.
‘‘When I met them at Lagos Street in the afternoon, I thought they were going to war or to repel terrorist attack somewhere, until someone told me that they have been going round the city for hours,’’ Hamza Buba, a university student said.
Also, Ibrahim Ali, a tricycle driver said he has been clashing with the task-force at different location while he is scavenging for passengers.
However, the government has not informed the public on the task-force movement but residents interviewed believes that it is a show of force to frighten protesters.
One of the resident, Haruna Bama said that he believes the state governor dislikes the idea of protest and is trying hard to stop it.
”This movement of taskforce around the city is just to send a message to the people that they should not think of coming out to protest on August 1,” he said.
A trader and father of one, Mr. Bama added that the heavy armoury he saw with the taskforce is indeed scary and can halt protest activities in Maiduguri.
