Take-It-Back Movement: Nationwide Protest kicks off Today as Police declare Red Alert

Security has been heightened across the country as the Nigeria Police Force placed its operatives on red alert ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for today, Monday, April 7, 2025.

The protest, spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, is being held to express public dissatisfaction with the worsening economic hardship, suppression of civil liberties, and the political impasse in Rivers State.

Speaking to Times of Nigeria, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that the protest would proceed despite police warnings. According to him, the demonstration is also aimed at resisting the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act by authorities to silence dissent.

“We remain committed to a peaceful protest despite intimidation. The #EndBadGovernance protests revealed the extent of democratic decline. Citizens are frustrated and must be heard,” Sanyaolu stated.

He cited recent social media campaigns, including a 30-day challenge by young Nigerians, as evidence of a rising tide of public anger.

In Abuja, protesters plan to converge at the National Assembly. One of the protest coordinators, Adenola Michael, said the demonstration is a constitutional right and necessary to defend Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

“We understand the risks, but democracy guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. We intend to exercise that right fully,” Michael said.

However, the Nigeria Police Force has strongly condemned the timing of the protest, which coincides with the maiden National Police Day, a day set aside to honour the contributions of the police to national development.

In a statement on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned that staging a protest on the same day may be “an unpatriotic act” designed to embarrass the institution.

“The Force is not opposed to peaceful assembly, but the decision to stage a protest on a day dedicated to celebrating the Nigeria Police is questionable and mischievous,” Adejobi said.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also appealed for restraint, urging protest organizers to explore dialogue as a means of engagement. He reiterated the Force’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order.

In Lagos, the Police Command confirmed it had placed its operatives on alert. Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, ordered enhanced surveillance and protection of critical infrastructure. According to an internal circular, there are fears that “subversive groups” may hijack the protest to incite violence and attack government installations.

In Osun State, protest coordinator Victor Lijofi dismissed police calls to cancel the protest, emphasizing that it is not a protest against the police but a cry for better governance.

“The protest is not about the police. It is about Nigerians who want a better country. The police are expected to provide security, not oppose the people,” he said.

State police commands across the country, including in Adamawa, Niger, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, Gombe, and Akwa Ibom—have also confirmed readiness to maintain order. Many have issued stern warnings against any breach of peace.

In Adamawa State, police have deployed operatives to secure key locations including airports, government offices, and marketplaces. Personnel have been drawn from various tactical units including the Rapid Response Team and Bomb Disposal Squad.

The Ogun State Police Command noted that it had yet to receive any official notice of the protest but warned that it would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order.

Similarly, in Sokoto, the police said they were working with local leaders to discourage protests, warning that tensions from recent incidents in Edo State could escalate if the rally proceeds.

Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have pledged to collaborate in monitoring and responding to any threats that may arise during the demonstration.

Meanwhile, the police in several states including Jigawa, Yobe, and Gombe said they had not been officially informed about the protest but were taking proactive measures to ensure public safety.

As the protest unfolds today, security presence remains heavy in many cities, and the public has been advised to remain law-abiding and report any suspicious activities to authorities.