Police Warns Against Planned Nationwide Protest

Police Warns Against Planned Nationwide Protest

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cautioned the “Take It Back Movement” against its planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, describing the timing as inappropriate and potentially disruptive.

The police emphasised that the protests coincides with the newly declared National Police Day, a day set aside by the federal government to honour the service and resilience of the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 6, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, but has, however, questioned its motive with coinciding with National Police Day.

The police also highlighted that the National Police Day, would attract various dignatries both internationally and within the state, urging all citizens intending to participate in the protest to engage proper institutions respectively as regards their concerns.

This was disclosed via a statement by the Force’s Public relations officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, April 6.

The statement partly reads: “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.

“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.

“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 horn 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.”