Protesters have taken to the streets of Abuja and Lagos despite repeated warnings from the police.

The demonstrations, organised by the Take It Back Movement, are underway in several parts of the country.

In Abuja, activist and movement leader Omoyele Sowore was joined by Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, as they led demonstrators in defiance of police efforts to disperse them.

In Lagos, a group of protesters was seen with placards in Ikeja, the state capital, continuing their march.

However, in Rivers State, protest efforts were short-lived. Organisers who had gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt were met with teargas from security operatives before the protest could gain momentum.

The Nigeria Police Force had earlier issued a strong statement condemning the protest’s timing, as it coincided with National Police Day, newly designated by the federal government to honour officers of the Force.

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ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, said the protest “appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police and, by extension, the nation.”

In the statement, Adejobi noted: “The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called ‘Take it Back Movement’ is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.”

He continued, “While not against the exercise of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.”

Adejobi further stressed, “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.”