The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students has denied claims that it plans to organize massive protests to shut down major cities across the nation.

In a statement, NANS Senate President, Comr Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, said that the association has not announced or endorsed any such protests.

He described the rumors as baseless and untrue, emphasizing that they do not reflect the position or intentions of NANS.

NANS called on security agencies to act swiftly against anyone using its name to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of the nation. The student body stressed the importance of protecting democratic processes and upholding the rule of law at all times.

NANS said, “The leadership of NANS has been made aware of rumours and misinformation circulating across various platforms, suggesting that NANS is planning a massive shutdown of major cities across the country. We wish to categorically state that NANS has not announced or endorsed any such protest. These reports are entirely baseless and do not reflect the position or intentions of our organization.”

NANS reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the country. “As the umbrella body representing the interests of Nigerian students, we have always been committed to peaceful advocacy and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders. We understand the critical importance of maintaining peace and stability in our nation, especially during these challenging times. Any actions that could lead to civil unrest or the disruption of public order are not, and will never be, supported by NANS.”

The association urged the public, media, and stakeholders to ignore these false reports and stated that the rumors are the work of unidentified groups looking to destabilize the country. “We strongly urge the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard these false reports. The individuals or groups behind these rumours are faceless entities who seek to exploit the name of NANS for their own malicious purposes. Their aim is clear: to destabilize the country and create unnecessary tension among citizens. We categorically disassociate ourselves from any such plans or intentions.”

NANS further called for a thorough investigation into the source of the misinformation and stressed that those responsible should be held accountable. “We hereby call on the security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the origin of this misinformation. It is imperative that those responsible for spreading these falsehoods are identified and held accountable. The use of the NANS name to propagate such dangerous and unfounded claims is not only a threat to national security but also a grave disservice to the millions of students who genuinely seek positive change through legitimate means.”

NANS also urged security agencies to act against those attempting to use its name to incite unrest. “Furthermore, we urge security agencies to act decisively in apprehending any individuals or groups attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt the peace of our nation. We must collectively ensure that the integrity of our democratic processes and the rule of law are upheld at all times.”

The association reaffirmed its dedication to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students through peaceful and lawful means. “NANS remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We will continue to pursue this mission through peaceful, lawful, and constructive channels. Let it be known that NANS stands firmly for peace, progress, and the unity of our nation.”

NANS thanked Nigerian students and the public for their ongoing support and encouraged vigilance against misinformation. “We appreciate the ongoing support of Nigerian students and the public, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and not to fall prey to those who seek to manipulate and mislead for their own selfish gains.”