A nationwide protest scheduled for today, April 7, by the Take it Back Movement has sparked major security alerts, with the Nigeria Police Force deploying heavy security presence across major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
The protest, which organisers say is aimed at tackling cyberbullying, emergency rule in Rivers State, and what they describe as the illegal extension of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure, is already being branded a subversive act by authorities.
In anticipation of the protest, the police have mobilised personnel from various units including PMF squads, Counter Terrorism Units, Anti-Bomb Units, and Special Protection Units, especially around critical infrastructure and public spaces in Lagos and other cities.
The protest coincides with National Police Day, a new annual date designated to honour the police force and attract global dignitaries to Nigeria. This timing has further drawn sharp criticism from the police, who claim the protest is an attempt to malign the image of the force.
Police spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged the organisers to reconsider, calling the protest “mischievous and ill-timed”, while maintaining that though peaceful protest is constitutional, today’s action is a “deliberate act to sabotage a national occasion.”
Omoyele Sowore, politician and one of the lead voices behind the protest, has rejected the police’s warnings, insisting the demonstration will proceed as planned. According to him, the police should instead consider rescheduling their National Police Day events.
“Nothing can stop the movement of the people,” Sowore declared late Sunday night.
The group announced its meeting points across major cities, including Ikeja Under-Bridge (Lagos), National Assembly (Abuja), Isaac Boro Park (Port Harcourt), and Iwo Road (Ibadan).
The Lagos Police Command, through DCP Tijani Fatai, alleged that the protest is being instigated by civil society groups with anti-government motives, using social media to mobilise sympathy and discredit the government amid rising concerns over inflation and governance.
They further warned that criminals may hijack the protest to target government facilities or disrupt public order, prompting a comprehensive lockdown of strategic locations and increased surveillance to maintain order.
With both sides holding firm, the Take it Back Movement determined to hit the streets, and the police declaring zero tolerance — tension is expected to run high. Businesses near protest hotspots may experience disruptions, while residents are advised to exercise caution.
The situation raises broader concerns about freedom of expression, economic frustration, and the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties.
