Insecurity: CSOs declare June 12 nationwide protest

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), trade unions, youth groups, and activists has declared June 12, 2026, a day of nationwide protest against rising insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The coalition, which includes prominent figures like human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and rapper Folarin Falana (Falz), says Nigerians have little to celebrate as the country marks Democracy Day amid worsening living conditions.

In a statement, the group condemned what it called alarming impunity by terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers operating across Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and other states.

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The coalition is demanding the immediate release of all Nigerians held captive by criminal groups.

The statement also criticised economic policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and rising electricity tariffs.

According to the coalition, these measures have led to skyrocketing food prices, unbearable transportation costs, and the collapse of small businesses, despite increased government allocations.

The coalition called on workers, students, traders, market women, artisans, unemployed youths, and religious groups to mobilise in their communities, on campuses, and in workplaces.

“Enough of the killings. Enough of the kidnappings. Enough of the hunger. Enough of the suffering,” the statement read.

The statement was signed by 15 leaders, including Hassan Taiwo Soweto of the #Endbadgovernance Movement, Yinka Folarin of CDHR, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo of NPFM, and representatives from JAF, YRC, RSM, and Socialist Labour, among others.

June 12 is observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria, commemorating the 1993 presidential election.