The Nigeria Police Force has heightened its alertness ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, April 7, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and various civil society groups. The police have deployed personnel to strategic locations and urged protestors to reconsider their plans, citing worsening economic conditions, civil liberties issues, and unrest in Rivers State as the protest’s focus.

Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, affirmed the group’s commitment to the protest, which also seeks to address the misuse of the Cybercrime Act. He stated that despite potential repression from law enforcement, they are prepared to proceed with their peaceful demonstration.

The planned protest follows the #EndBadGovernance movement from nine months ago, which addressed the high cost of living in Nigeria. In Abuja, protestors plan to gather at the National Assembly.

Sanyaolu expressed frustration over past police actions during protests, recalling the violence and arrests that occurred during the #EndBadGovernance protests. He emphasized that public sentiment is increasingly aligned against the current government, with many citizens expressing their dissatisfaction through various means.

While police authorities have described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” they emphasized their commitment to maintaining public order. The protest coincides with the inaugural National Police Day, a celebration of police contributions to national security.

Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi called the timing of the protest questionable, suggesting it undermines the celebration of police efforts. He urged organizers to engage with authorities through dialogue rather than protests.

In preparation for potential unrest, police commands across various states have been instructed to bolster security around critical infrastructure and maintain a visible presence. The police have also warned that any attempts to incite violence during the protest will not be tolerated.

As the country braces for the protest, stakeholders, including local police and community leaders, are working to ensure that public safety is upheld while respecting citizens’ rights to assemble peacefully.