Police on high alert as Nationwide Protest by Take-It-Back Movement begins Today

The Nigeria Police Force has raised an alert and deployed officers to strategic locations nationwide ahead of a planned nationwide protest organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and several civil society groups, set for today, Monday, April 7, 2025.

The protest aims to draw attention to the rising hardship in the country, suppression of civil liberties, and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Organizers say the rally will also highlight the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.

Despite warnings from police authorities to cancel the demonstration, the Take-It-Back Movement insists it will go on. Its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the group is not afraid of any intimidation.

“We are not scared of repression. The #EndBadGovernance protest showed us the level of injustice in the country. This current administration has failed the people,” Sanyaolu said. He noted that public frustration is growing, citing recent social media campaigns showing citizens’ anger.

Adenola Michael, one of the Abuja coordinators, confirmed that protesters will gather at the National Assembly. He emphasized that citizens have the right to protest, even if the government is against it.

However, the police have described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” noting that it coincides with the newly declared National Police Day. Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, questioned the protest’s timing, warning that it may disrupt the national event meant to celebrate the police force.

Adejobi stressed that while peaceful protests are allowed under the law, staging one on National Police Day could damage the force’s image. The police urged the group to explore dialogue instead of street protests.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also advised the group to reconsider, promising the police will continue to protect citizens’ rights within the law.

In Osun State, one of the Take-It-Back coordinators, Victor Lijofi, said the protest will hold despite the police’s call for cancellation. “We are not protesting against the police. This is about Nigerians demanding better governance,” he said.

In Lagos, police officers have been placed on alert. Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, ordered increased surveillance around key locations, warning that criminals might take advantage of the protest to cause trouble.

The Federal Capital Territory Police confirmed readiness for the demonstration. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh said, “We are on it.”

In Adamawa State, the police command listed areas it would secure, including markets, airports, roundabouts, and government buildings. Police formations like the Rapid Response Team and the Bomb Disposal Unit will also be involved.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the police would not allow any breakdown of law and order. Although no group officially informed the command of the protest, he said they would continue to maintain peace.

In Niger State, the police said they were aware of the protest and have deployed officers for monitoring. The Commissioner has instructed patrol teams to maintain public safety.

In Nasarawa, police spokesman Ramhan Nansel warned that anyone causing trouble would be arrested. The state command has also made necessary deployments to maintain peace.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Kwara State said it was working with other security agencies to ensure peace during the protest.

In Jigawa, although no protest notice has been received, the police assured residents that they were ready. They are also in talks with local leaders to manage the situation.

The Sokoto State Police Command said they were engaging community leaders to discourage participation, citing fears the protest might be hijacked due to lingering tensions over recent killings in Edo State.

The Commissioner for Information in Sokoto, Sambo Danchadi, advised organizers to cancel the rally, noting that the state government is working to deliver democratic dividends to the people.

Other states including Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, and Yobe have also confirmed preparations, with police urging citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

The Yobe Police Command said it is working to identify the protest organizers and understand their intentions, while staying alert to prevent any unrest.