ABUJA – Security operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday forcefully dispersed peaceful demonstrators in the Maitama district of Abuja using teargas canisters. The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in alliance with several civil society groups, called on the federal government to address the worsening economic crisis, increasing repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.
Coinciding with the National Police Day celebration at Eagle Square, the demonstration saw human rights advocate and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, alongside other protesters, marching with placards bearing slogans like “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
As part of preparations for the official Police Day ceremony, authorities had imposed security blockades around the Three Arms Zone, where top law enforcement officials were expected.
National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, who led the protest, outlined the key grievances: spiraling inflation, national insecurity, and what he termed a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
Though initially peaceful, the protest turned chaotic after security agents fired teargas to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen scattering amid rising tension, although no injuries or arrests had been confirmed at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex — a planned stop for the protesters — remained largely empty as legislators are currently on recess, scheduled to return on April 29.
Despite the disruption, protest organizers maintained that their demonstration was both timely and essential, urging the government to take immediate steps to address growing economic hardship and to uphold civil liberties.
