Take It Back Protest: What’s Happening Across Nigerian Cities

Demonstrators have taken to the streets in Abuja and Lagos, despite earlier warnings issued by the police. The protests were organized by the Take It Back Movement and are currently ongoing.

In Abuja, Omoyele Sowore, one of the group’s leaders, and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju were at the frontline, standing firm as police officers attempted to remove them from the scene.

In Lagos, protesters holding placards gathered in Ikeja, the capital of the state.

Meanwhile, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the group assembled at Isaac Boro Park, but before the protest could build up, police officers used tear gas to disperse them.

Current Situation & Reasons Behind the Protest

The protest comes on the same day declared by the federal government as National Police Day. According to the Take It Back Movement, their nationwide protest is a response to what they described as the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu administration, abuse of human rights and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.”

Despite being asked by security officers to move to another location, the protesters continued with the rally. They sang unity songs and began marching from inside the park towards Aba Express Road. As they arrived at the CFC junction, they were again blocked by anti-riot officers who ordered them to leave the road, but the protesters refused. In response, the police fired tear gas, causing the crowd to scatter.

Police Response

The Nigeria Police Force, through its spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, released a statement expressing concern over the protest and its timing.

“The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called ‘Take it Back Movement’ is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.”

“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.”

“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.”

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”

The statement also urged those planning to take part in the protest to seek dialogue with appropriate authorities instead of occupying the streets.