Police Forces Brace for Nationwide Protest Amid Security Concerns

Police authorities across Nigeria have heightened security measures as they brace for a nationwide protest set to take place on Monday, April 7, 2025. The planned demonstration, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and various civil society groups, is intended to address escalating hardship in the country, restrictions on civil liberties, and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed officers to strategic locations in anticipation of the rally, while urging the protest organizers to reconsider the timing of their demonstration. The police expressed concerns that the rally could disrupt peace and order, and warned protesters to avoid any form of violence.

The protest, which follows last year’s #EndBadGovernance movement, will see demonstrators converge at the National Assembly in Abuja. Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, affirmed that the group would press ahead with the rally, despite the police’s warning. He emphasized that the protest aims to address not only economic struggles but also the misuse of the Cybercrime Act, which has been used to stifle free speech.

“We are undeterred by police attempts to suppress this protest. We are prepared for any form of repression by security agencies,” Sanyaolu stated. He criticized the brutal crackdown on last year’s protests, which saw the deaths of protesters and the arrest of minors, and called for justice and accountability in light of these events.

The protest is expected to focus on bad governance and government oppression, with organizers claiming that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated with the current administration. Sanyaolu noted, “The public frustration is clear, and we have seen a growing wave of discontent, especially with the high costs of living.”

However, the police have described the protest as “ill-timed” and “mischievous,” particularly since it coincides with the maiden National Police Day, a day designated to celebrate the contributions of Nigeria’s police officers. Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi voiced concerns that the protest would undermine the significance of the event, which is expected to attract dignitaries, including international diplomats and foreign police chiefs.

“We do not oppose the right to peaceful assembly, but staging a protest on National Police Day is unpatriotic and could tarnish the image of the police force and the country,” Adejobi said. He urged the organizers to explore more constructive ways to address their grievances.

Despite the police’s objections, the Take-It-Back Movement remains resolute. In Osun State, Victor Lijofi, one of the movement’s coordinators, emphasized that the protest was not targeting the police but rather aimed at addressing the government’s failures. He reiterated that the police’s role is to ensure the security of citizens during the protest.

The Lagos State Police Command has placed its officers on high alert, with Commissioner Moshood Jimoh directing that security be intensified around critical infrastructure. A security circular issued by the command warned that criminal elements might attempt to hijack the protest, potentially leading to violence or attacks on government facilities.

Similarly, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed its readiness to respond swiftly to any issues that may arise during the demonstration. Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT command, assured the public that the police were fully prepared for the protest.

Other states, including Adamawa, Ogun, and Niger, have also scaled up security in anticipation of the rally. The police in Adamawa issued a statement confirming that additional personnel would be deployed to secure key locations such as marketplaces and government buildings.

The Ogun State Police Command, led by Commissioner Lanre Ogunlowo, stated that while the right to protest peacefully is protected, the police would not tolerate any disruption of law and order. “We will not allow any breakdown of peace, and we will remain vigilant,” Ogunlowo affirmed.

Meanwhile, authorities in Sokoto and Kwara states have also increased vigilance, with a focus on preventing any potential for violence or civil unrest. Sokoto’s police spokesperson, Ahmed Rufai, highlighted concerns over the possible exploitation of the protest by individuals seeking to escalate existing tensions related to the recent killings in Edo State.

Across the country, various state commands have advised residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities while reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities. Police spokespersons in states like Nasarawa, Yobe, and Benue have similarly reassured the public that security measures are in place to maintain peace during the protest.

While the authorities continue to stress the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement with government institutions, the Take-It-Back Movement insists on its right to peacefully protest. As the date of the protest approaches, all eyes are on how the authorities will handle the demonstration and whether it will proceed without incident.

In the face of this growing tension, the national and local police forces remain on high alert, prepared for all contingencies, as the Take-It-Back Movement presses forward with its protest against what it terms as “bad governance” and civil rights abuses in Nigeria.