Protesters demand action on economic hardship, civil liberties, and alleged misuse of Cybercrime Act
Security agencies across Nigeria are on red alert today as the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups stage a nationwide protest against worsening economic conditions, suppression of civil rights, and political turmoil in Rivers State.
The Nigeria Police Force has responded by deploying officers to strategic locations, issuing warnings against the demonstration, and calling on organisers to suspend what they described as an “ill-timed and mischievous” action.
“We are undeterred by threats of repression and are prepared to defend our rights,”
— Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator, Take-It-Back Movement
Protesters: “We Won’t Back Down”
Organisers say the protest, which will take place in multiple states including Abuja, Lagos, and Osun, also aims to challenge what they allege is the weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act to silence dissent.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement’s national coordinator, said the protest is a response to growing public frustration.
“Nigerians are fed up. Many are joining a 30-day campaign to express their dissatisfaction with the current administration,” he told The PUNCH.
He condemned the police’s previous response to similar protests, including the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held in August 2024, during which there were reports of fatalities and unlawful arrests.
Protest Coincides with National Police Day
In a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, questioned the timing of the protest, noting it coincides with the Federal Government’s maiden celebration of National Police Day.
“While we uphold the right to peaceful protest, staging one on a day set aside to honour police officers is questionable,” he said.
Adejobi noted that the day would feature high-profile guests, including international police leaders and diplomats, and warned that any protest could undermine national security efforts.
Police, States Prepare for Possible Unrest
In Lagos, the state police command has placed officers on high alert. Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh directed security to be strengthened around key infrastructure.
A leaked internal circular warned that “subversive groups” may attempt to hijack the protest to cause chaos, attack government facilities, or incite violence under the guise of civil disobedience.
Similar warnings were issued in Abuja, Adamawa, and other states.
“We are aware and on it,”
— Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Spokesperson
“It’s About Nigerians, Not the Police” – Osun Coordinator
In Osun State, protest organisers dismissed police warnings. Victor Lijofi, a local coordinator, said the protest is not about the police but about holding government accountable.
“The police are employed by Nigerians. They should protect, not suppress. The protest will hold,” Lijofi insisted.
Looking Ahead
Despite government warnings, protest organisers maintain that they are exercising a constitutional right and are prepared to face potential crackdowns.
As tensions mount, all eyes are on today’s events and how both security forces and demonstrators navigate the unfolding situation.
Source The Punch
