June 12: Coalition Mobilises Nigerians for Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity, Economic Hardship

A coalition of civil society organisations, labour activists, youth groups, community associations and social movements has declared June 12, 2026, a day of nationwide protest against rising insecurity, hunger and worsening economic conditions across Nigeria.

The coalition, comprising prominent activists and advocacy groups, said the planned demonstration is intended to draw attention to what it described as the Federal Government’s inadequate response to growing security challenges and deepening economic hardship affecting millions of citizens.

In a joint statement released ahead of Democracy Day celebrations, the coalition expressed concern over the continued activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups across several parts of the country.

According to the organisers, many communities remain under threat, while thousands of Nigerians have been killed, displaced or abducted despite repeated assurances from government authorities that insecurity is being brought under control.

The coalition called for immediate measures to secure the release of citizens currently held captive by criminal groups in states including Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger.

“We stand in solidarity with families of victims of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country and demand urgent action to secure the release of all those still in captivity,” the statement said.

The groups further argued that the current economic situation has compounded the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, citing rising food prices, increasing transportation costs, inflation and the challenges facing small and medium-scale enterprises.

They criticised recent economic reforms implemented by the administration of President , including fuel subsidy removal, currency reforms and rising electricity tariffs, which they said have placed additional pressure on households and businesses.

According to the coalition, workers’ wages have failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs despite increased government revenues.

The organisers said the June 12 protest would form part of a broader campaign aimed at demanding improved security, economic relief and policies that prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens.

They called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious bodies and community organisations to participate in the mobilisation efforts ahead of the demonstration.

The coalition maintained that the protest is not only about economic hardship but also about the safety and future of Nigerians affected by insecurity and violence.

Among the signatories to the statement are human rights lawyer , activist , President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, , and several labour, civil society and youth movement leaders.

The coalition urged Nigerians to use Democracy Day as an opportunity to demand accountability from leaders and push for policies capable of improving living conditions and restoring security across the country.

The planned demonstration comes amid growing public debate over the country’s economic challenges and security situation as citizens prepare to mark 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.