Force Headquarters cautions “Take it Back Movement,” urging dialogue instead of planned demonstration coinciding with national celebration.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong warning against a planned nationwide protest organized by a group identifying itself as the “Take it Back Movement.” The protest is reportedly scheduled to take place on Monday, April 7th, 2025, a date designated by the Federal Government as the National Police Day.
In a press release issued on Sunday, April 6th, 2025, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly. However, the Force expressed “deep concern” regarding the timing of the planned demonstration.
The NPF highlighted the significance of April 7th as the National Police Day, a day intended to celebrate the “resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.” The Force emphasized that the event is expected to draw numerous dignitaries, including international guests such as Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.
The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day, according to the police, is “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.”
Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force has strongly advised the organizers of the “Take it Back Movement” to “shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to its mandate and respect for citizens’ rights, urged the protest organizers and potential participants to “pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.”
The police statement underscores the potential for disruption and negative optics associated with a major protest coinciding with a national celebration intended to honor the law enforcement agency. The Force’s call for dialogue suggests an attempt to de-escalate potential tensions and avoid a confrontation on a day of national significance for the police.
Police Warn Against “Ill-Timed” Nationwide Protest on National Police Day
