Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday dispersed peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action on worsening economic conditions, rising insecurity, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
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The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square, where top police officials and dignitaries gathered to honor the Nigeria Police Force’s service to the nation.
Authorities had earlier erected a blockade around the Three Arms Zone as part of the security arrangements for the Police Day event. Despite this, protesters — including human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore — marched through the Federal Capital Territory carrying placards bearing messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
The National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, who led the mobilization, outlined the key demands of the protest: action against soaring inflation, improved security, and a resolution to what he described as the “state of emergency” situation in Rivers State.
Although the protest began peacefully, tensions escalated when police operatives fired tear gas canisters at the crowd to forcefully disperse them. Protesters were seen fleeing the area, and bystanders reported chaotic scenes. As of press time, there were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex — one of the intended destinations of the protest — remained largely empty due to the ongoing legislative recess. Lawmakers are expected to resume sitting on April 29.
Despite the disruption, protest leaders vowed to continue their advocacy, stressing the urgent need for the government to address Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, worsening insecurity, and perceived efforts to suppress dissent.
In a statement released Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police described the protest as “ill-timed” and questioned the motives behind staging it on a day set aside to celebrate the Police Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called Take-It-Back Movement is planning a protest scheduled for Monday, 7th April 2025, coinciding with National Police Day,” the statement said. “While the police recognize the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the rationale behind staging a protest on the same day is questionable and perceived to be a deliberate and unpatriotic attempt to malign the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation.”
The Force noted that National Police Day had been instituted in line with global best practices to recognize police contributions to national security and warned that the protest could undermine the significance of the celebration, which drew both local and international dignitaries.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” the statement added.
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