On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) voiced concerns on the possibility that violent groups could take over the upcoming nationwide demonstration against hardship. The DHQ went on to say that intelligence sources indicate the rally is a ruse to mimic the events in Kenya. During an Abuja press briefing, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this information. According to him, there are parallels between the upcoming protest and the unresolved, violent events in Kenya. He informed reporters, "There are strong indications that unscrupulous elements plan to hijack the process, leading to anarchy." But he also said that the military will act to stop violent incidents and will not allow the country to fall into anarchy.
