Tensions Rise as Protesters, Police Brace for Showdown in Major Cities

A tense standoff looms between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Take it Back Movement, as both sides prepare for nationwide protests today in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and other cities. The protests, scheduled to coincide with the newly-declared National Police Day on April 7, have sparked heightened security alerts and warnings from law enforcement.

Organisers of the protest say they are demonstrating against the controversial cybercrime legislation, the declaration of emergency in Rivers State, and what they describe as the illegal extension of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. Protesters are expected to converge at locations such as Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos, the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, and Iwo Road in Ibadan.

The police have described the protest as “subversive,” warning that it could incite unrest under the guise of economic hardship and free speech advocacy. In a statement, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged organisers to reconsider their plans out of respect for National Police Day, which is being marked for the first time with dignitaries from across Nigeria and abroad, including foreign police chiefs and diplomats.

Adejobi emphasized the importance of April 7 as a moment of national recognition for the police, accusing the protest organisers of deliberately attempting to tarnish the day’s significance. “This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force,” he said. “The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is perceived to be a deliberate attempt to malign the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.”

Despite the police warnings, Take it Back Movement leader and activist Omoyele Sowore has insisted the protest will proceed as planned. “Nothing can stop the movement of the people,” he declared, calling on Nigerians to mobilize in protest regardless of the police threats.

In Lagos, the police command has reinforced security across the state. A statement by Deputy Commissioner Tijani O. Fatai revealed intelligence reports indicating plans by “subversive groups” to use the protest to incite unrest and attack government facilities. The police warned that criminals may exploit the protest to create chaos and disrupt socio-economic activities.

Security personnel from multiple units—including the Rapid Response Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, and various Police Mobile Force teams—have been deployed to strategic points throughout Lagos to ensure order and protect lives and property. Authorities pledged to maintain traffic flow and allow law-abiding citizens to go about their day without interference.

As both sides dig in, the streets of Nigeria’s major cities brace for a potentially volatile day of confrontation and protest.