Abstract
The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to democratic expression and civic engagement. In
Nigeria, however, these rights face growing threats from militarised repression, marked by the
deployment of armed forces, including the police, to brutally suppress civil demonstrations. This
trend raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns, especially in a country that
professes democratic governance. The core problem addressed by this study is the increasing
reliance on military force to handle civilian protests, leading to gross violations of constitutionally
protected freedoms. The aim of this paper is to critically examine the legal framework regulating
the involvement of armed forces in civil protest situations in Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives
are to evaluate the legality and legitimacy of military and police intervention in internal security
matters, and to assess their compliance with international human rights standards. Adopting the
doctrinal research method, the paper analyses constitutional provisions, statutes, international
treaties, and case laws. A key finding is the erosion of accountability and the resulting culture of
impunity that follows state repression, especially evident in events like the 2020 EndSARS protests
and the 2024 End-Bad Governance Protest. These actions are often justified by the government
on grounds of state security and public order, yet they lead to widespread violation of rights and
close off avenues for redress through government denial and repression. The paper recommends
clear legal boundaries between military and policing roles, institutional judicial reforms to
strengthen governmental accountability, and strict adherence to international human rights
standards to protect civil liberties. It also contributes to the broader discussion on civil-military
relations by highlighting the dangers of conflating military and police functions in Nigeria’s
internal security management.