Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday, March 31, 2025, dispersed peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama district of Abuja, disrupting a demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups.
The protest, which kicked off peacefully earlier in the day, aimed to highlight a series of national concerns, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, growing economic hardship across Nigeria, and what the organisers have described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
Demonstrators, many of whom carried placards with inscriptions like “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” were marching through central parts of the Federal Capital Territory before being confronted by armed police operatives who fired tear gas canisters to break up the crowd. The sudden onslaught threw the protesters into disarray, forcing many to scamper for safety.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was present at the protest ground to show solidarity. He had earlier vowed that the demonstrations would go on, despite police warnings to call it off.
In a statement released last Friday, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the protest was necessary to resist what the group called “increasing authoritarianism” under the current administration, while also calling for urgent intervention to relieve Nigerians grappling with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity.
The protest was one of several planned across major Nigerian cities including Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. Security agencies had earlier issued multiple warnings, describing the protests as a potential threat to public order, especially as the demonstration coincided with National Police Day.
As of the time of filing this report, there have been no official statements regarding arrests or injuries. However, the atmosphere in Maitama remains tense, with heavily armed security personnel maintaining presence at key locations.
The Take-It-Back Movement says the protests will continue in the coming days, calling on more Nigerians to join what it describes as a struggle for justice, accountability, and freedom of expression.
Stay tuned to 9am News Nigeria for more Breaking News, Business News, Sports updates And Entertainment Gists.
