Falana, CSOs Declares June 12 Nationwide Protest Over Hardship, Insecurity

A coalition of civil society organisations, labour groups, youth associations, community bodies, faith-based organisations and concerned citizens has declared June 12, 2026, as a day of nationwide protest over the worsening security situation and growing economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The coalition said the planned demonstration is intended to draw public attention to the challenges many citizens are experiencing, including insecurity, rising living costs, poverty, inflation and declining economic conditions.

Among those backing the protest are human rights lawyer Femi Falana, activist Hassan Taiwo Soweto, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President Yinka Folarin, and several leaders of civil society and social justice organisations across the country. Musician and activist Falz is also among those supporting the action.

According to the coalition, many Nigerians have little reason to celebrate Democracy Day as communities continue to face attacks from terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups. The group said thousands of families have been affected by violence, displacement and loss of livelihoods in different parts of the country.

The organisers expressed concern over the continued wave of kidnappings, killings and attacks on communities. They noted that many residents still live in fear despite repeated assurances from authorities that security efforts are producing results.

The coalition also called attention to the plight of citizens currently being held captive by criminal groups in states such as Oyo, Borno, Katsina, Kwara, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger. It urged authorities to take urgent steps to secure their release and improve protection for vulnerable communities.

Beyond security concerns, the group said economic hardship has become a major burden on Nigerians. It pointed to rising fuel prices, the weakening value of the naira, higher electricity tariffs and increasing costs of basic services as factors making life more difficult for ordinary citizens.

The coalition noted that food prices have continued to rise, making it harder for many households to meet daily needs. It also observed that transportation costs have increased, while many small and medium-sized businesses are struggling with high operating expenses, poor power supply and reduced consumer spending.

According to the organisers, workers across different sectors are also facing challenges as wages fail to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. They said many families are finding it difficult to maintain decent living standards under current economic conditions.
The coalition explained that the June 12 protest is part of broader efforts aimed at pushing government authorities to take stronger action on insecurity and introduce measures that will ease the burden on citizens.
It called on workers, students, traders, artisans, market women, professionals, unemployed youths, religious groups and community organisations to participate in the protest in their various locations across the country.
The organisers described the planned action as a collective demand for safety, improved welfare and better living conditions. They urged Nigerians from different backgrounds to unite and peacefully demand solutions to the country’s security and economic challenges.