A showdown is likely today between the police and a group of protesters in Lagos, Abuja and some other capital cities, such as Ibadan and Port Harcourt.
A massive deployment of security men is expected across the country.
The police warned that it would not take kindly to a protest it described as “potential unrest or confrontation” planned by the “Take it Back Movement”.
It described the action as that of “subversive elements” acting on the pretence of economic hardship.
The Take it Back Movement group said the protest is against cyberbullying and the emergency declaration in Rivers State.
It added that it opposes the “illegal” extension of tenure for Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
The group said its members would converge under the bridge in Ikeja, Lagos, the frontage of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt and Iwo Road in Ibadan.
While the police cautioned against the protest, which it described as sabotage having fallen on National Police Day, one of the organisers, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a politician, insisted last night that the protest would go on.
Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner, said: “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest.
“However, given the significance of April 7 as National Police Day, we urge the organisers to reconsider the timing of their planned demonstration.
“This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force, and it is important that the occasion is not overshadowed by potential unrest or confrontation.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
The police spokesman added that the National Police Day event would host high-profile dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and diplomats.
Sowore said there was no going back. Rather, he insisted it was the police that should reconsider their programme.
He said: “Regardless, tomorrow’s (today) protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!”
The Lagos Police Command also issued a similar warning in a statement by its Deputy Commissioner Tijani O. Fatai.
It said: “Intelligence report at the Command disposal reveals a plan by some subversive groups parading themselves as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and other misguided anti-government forces, to incite nationwide protest on 7th April 2025 aimed at drawing the attention of the government to their perceived prevailing high cost of living and free speech suppression.
“Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government and galvanising support for the protest.
“Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the state, amongst others.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations and other strategic locations across the state in order to forestall any untoward development before, during and after the proposed protest.
“This is to ensure all law-abiding citizens go about their normal business throughout the period unhindered; to ensure free flow of traffic in the state throughout the period of the protest; to ensure the security of lives and property in the state before, during and after the protest.
“Forces available: Manpower for this operation will be drawn from the Department of Operations, Ikeja; State Criminal and Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Yaba; Area Command Headquarters, Rapid Response Squad, Alausa; Task Force, Oshodi; PMF 2 Keffi; 20/22 PMF Ikeja; 23 Keffi; 43 Lion Building; 49 PMF Epe; 63 PMF Ikorodu; Counter Terrorism Unit Base 2, Special Protection Unit Bases 2, 16, 17 Lagos, and Anti Bomb Disposal Base 23, Lagos.”
The Nation
