Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday dispersed peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action on worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
The protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations held at Eagle Square.
As part of the security arrangements for the official event, authorities had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force.
Protesters — including human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore — carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” aimed at drawing attention to what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, who led the mobilisation, outlined the key issues fueling the protest. These included soaring inflation, nationwide insecurity, and what he described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
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Although the protest began peacefully, it descended into chaos when police operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen fleeing the area, with tensions running high.
As of press time, there were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex — one of the protesters’ intended destinations — remained largely deserted due to the ongoing legislative recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to resume on April 29.
Despite the disruption, protest leaders insisted that the demonstration was both necessary and timely, stressing the urgent need for government action to address rising economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived efforts to silence dissent.
The situation also turned awry in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where police fired teargas at protesters at the Isaac Boro Park.
“Nobody can tell us where not to gather, we are Rivers people,” the young demonstrators told the policemen who warned them not to hold the protest.
Policemen gave the protesters a hot chase and beat up some of them including journalists reporting the event.
The protesters had earlier told the policemen that they had informed the police command of their intention to stage the demonstration in a letter dated April 3, 2025.
One of the protesters had told reporters that the “peaceful protest” was to express their grievances to the government. “We are not here for violence,” he had said.
The demonstrator listed some of their grievances to include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“As it is, we have no government. This government in Rivers State is alien to our people; it is unconstitutional. We are here to demand that our governor comes back to office and lead us appropriately. We have a social contract with the governor and not the sole administrator. This is democracy,” he said.
