The Lagos State Police Command has placed its entire force on high alert in anticipation of a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025, aimed at addressing soaring living costs and perceived restrictions on free speech. The directive, issued following intelligence reports, comes as civil society organizations (CSOs) and activist groups mobilize citizens across Nigeria for what they describe as a stand against government overreach.
In a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tijani O. Fatai, the Command revealed that “subversive groups” posing as CSOs are orchestrating the demonstrations.
The document warns that these groups have been actively using social media to garner public support, discredit the government, and highlight concerns over rising inflation and alleged suppression of dissent. “Experience has shown that criminals may seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem,” the circular noted, citing potential attacks on government facilities and disruptions to socio-economic activities.
Commissioner of Police has ordered heightened security around critical infrastructure and key protest sites across Lagos, including Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House in Yaba, and Lekki Toll-Gate, among others. The operation aims to ensure peaceful demonstrations, prevent criminal interference, and safeguard lives, property, and traffic flow during the event. Police forces will be drawn from multiple units, including the Rapid Response Squad, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Anti-Bomb Disposal Base, to maintain order.
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The planned protests, spearheaded by the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement and allied groups, have gained traction amid growing discontent with the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Activists are calling for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which they claim is being weaponized to stifle press freedom and silence critics, including journalists and social media users. TIB National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, in a recent press briefing, also demanded an end to what he termed “military-style governance” in Rivers State, alongside the reinstatement of the state’s suspended legislative and executive bodies.
The demonstrations, expected to unfold simultaneously in multiple cities beyond the Federal Capital Territory, have sparked widespread attention from rights activists and CSOs. Organizers have framed the protests as a response to both economic hardship and what they call an unconstitutional “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
