The ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State has led to increased military presence, with soldiers recently arresting a man for recording them during a patrol operation.
A video capturing the moment has gone viral on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), sparking widespread reactions and discussions online.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following reports of escalating security concerns, particularly militant activities and pipeline vandalism. The president stated that the state government had failed to take adequate measures to address these security threats.
As part of the emergency measures, the federal government appointed a sole administrator to oversee governance in the state for a designated period while security forces were deployed to restore order.
In the viral video, a voice narrates the unfolding scene, saying: “See what is happening in Rivers State. Someone was recording, and the person got caught. A person holding a camera was stopped and arrested by soldiers. Soldiers are everywhere in Rivers State.”
The clip shows the soldiers stopping and detaining the individual, drawing various reactions from social media users. Many commenters expressed concern about the strict enforcement of military protocols in the state, while others saw it as a sign of what life under military rule could be like.
The incident has led to a heated debate on citizens’ rights, media freedom, and the role of the military in governance.
See some reactions below:
@Abdul_A_Bello: “This is what a military rule looks like for those who wished for it.”
@SMARTXX231: “Na everything be offense for this country now.”
@BluesCapital: “Even to record with ur phone na offense now in this country 💔🤧It is finished.”
@OmotayoSolomo10: “Just be lucky they didn’t arrest the person who made this video sef.”
@mandisu2002: “But I thought you all want military to take over the affairs of the country.”
@Gasbytweet: “Some of you once called for a military takeover of the country, what were you thinking? That they’ll come bearing ice creams and egg rolls? Una get mind dey record military 🤣🤣🤣The next 6 months will teach you guys so many things.”
@Babsdone11: “That is how military regime looks like, for those that call for military regime to take over Nigeria. If you ever experience the regime of Abacha na war.”
@NonooUdeze: “They arrested someone for recording them, yet they were recorded. It seems these people are out of touch with the world. You cannot be in a public space doing something right and be scared of being recorded.”
@scopioguru: “I thought u wanted military rulers 😂😂😂 most of the genz that never experienced military regime should use this as experience.”
WATCH VIDEO:
State of Emergency in Rivers State;
Someone was arrested for allegedly recording the military men patrolling in Port Harcourt, Rivers State🧎🙆 pic.twitter.com/xcBNu3ZWCW
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) March 19, 2025