Security forces across Nigeria are on red alert as the Take-It-Back Movement and various civil society groups move ahead with a planned nationwide protest on Monday, April 7, 2025. The demonstration aims to address worsening economic conditions, alleged crackdowns on civil liberties, and political tensions in Rivers State.
In preparation, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed officers to strategic areas nationwide. However, despite police warnings urging organizers to cancel the rally, the Take-It-Back Movement insists the protest will go on. National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu emphasized that the demonstration will also address alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and is not intended to cause unrest.
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This protest comes nine months after the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August, which similarly condemned rising living costs. Protesters in Abuja plan to gather at the National Assembly, with organizers saying they are ready for any form of police resistance.
“We are not intimidated by the police threats,” said Sanyaolu on Sunday. “We’re prepared to peacefully resist any form of repression, just as we witnessed during the #EndBadGovernance protests, which saw killings and unlawful arrests, including of minors.”
He added that there is growing public discontent across the country, referencing a recent 30-day campaign where Nigerians voiced their frustrations about the current administration.
Another protest coordinator in Abuja, Adenola Michael, echoed similar sentiments, affirming that they are committed to exercising their democratic rights. “Despite threats, we are determined. Nigeria is a democracy, and citizens have the right to protest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have expressed concern about the protest coinciding with the inaugural National Police Day, a newly declared observance to honor police officers’ service. In a statement, the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the protest as “ill-timed” and “suspicious,” citing the day’s significance and the presence of high-profile guests, including international police chiefs and diplomats.
Adejobi reiterated that while the police respect the right to peaceful protest, they advise the organizers to opt for dialogue instead of staging protests, particularly on a day meant to celebrate national security efforts. He urged protesters to engage appropriate government bodies to address their concerns.
Despite this, Take-It-Back coordinators in states such as Osun have insisted that demonstrations will proceed. Victor Lijofi, one of the group’s leaders in Osun, stated that the protest is directed at government failings, not the police, and called on law enforcement to fulfill their duty by safeguarding the public during the protest.
