By SUNTV Global Channel | February 10, 2026
Tension escalated on Tuesday at Nigeria’s National Assembly complex in Abuja as protesters under the #OccupyNASS movement were met with an overwhelming deployment of soldiers and other combat-ready security operatives while demanding electoral transparency.
Angry Nigerians had converged peacefully at the National Assembly to press for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, a demand they insist is crucial to restoring public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. However, the protest environment quickly became tense following what observers described as an unusually heavy militarisation of the protest venue.
SUNTV Global Channel gathered that security deployment on the second day of the demonstration was significantly increased compared to the first day, raising concerns among protesters and civil society groups about the necessity of such force at a peaceful civic gathering.
Security agencies deployed to the National Assembly area included the Nigerian Army (Guards Brigade), Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others.
Protesters questioned the rationale behind the massive security presence, insisting that their action was peaceful and protected under the Nigerian Constitution. Several civil society activists described the situation as undemocratic and unconstitutional, warning that the militarisation of civic protests poses a threat to democratic norms.
Speaking at the protest ground, prominent human rights activist Aisha Yesufu strongly condemned the deployment of heavily armed personnel, describing it as an aberration and a reflection of weak democratic culture.
“Once again, we are seeing armed security operatives brandishing tear gas canisters and life-threatening weapons against citizens who are protesting peacefully,” Yesufu said. “We even saw the military deployed earlier today.”
She questioned the presence of the Nigerian military at the protest, asking why soldiers were stationed at a civic demonstration while the country continues to face serious security threats elsewhere.
“The Nigerian Police Force is constitutionally responsible for internal security. Instead of reforming the police, the government keeps deploying the military, DSS, and other armed forces against unarmed citizens,” she stated.
Addressing soldiers present at the venue, Yesufu warned that such deployment fell outside the constitutional mandate of the military.
“To every soldier brought here today, know that your presence here is unconstitutional. Standing against citizens exercising their right to protest is not part of your job description,” she said.
She also referenced past incidents, including the Lekki Toll Gate protest, urging security operatives to avoid actions that could lead to a repeat of tragic outcomes.
“Before you pull a trigger or carry out an order, ask yourself whether it is constitutional or unconstitutional,” she cautioned.
The activist further criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, alleging that security forces were being misdirected against civilians while terrorists continued to operate freely in other parts of the country.
“Our soldiers are deployed in the wrong places. Citizens demanding accountability are not the enemy,” she said.
Despite the tense atmosphere, the protest remained largely peaceful at the time of filing this report. Demonstrators said their demand remains unchanged and straightforward.
“All we are asking for is a transparent and mandatory electronic transmission of election results—nothing more,” protesters said.
Lawmakers were reportedly holding an emergency sitting as protesters awaited official engagement from the National Assembly leadership.
