The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetoku, has urged The Take It Back Movement, organizer of April 8th protest, scheduled to hold across various states particularly in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, April 7, 2025, to reconsider their plans.
The Police further enjoined them to seek alternative, constructive means of engagement through appropriate governmental channels.
The Force in a statement issued by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relation Officer noted reports of a planned protest by a group known as the Take It Back Movement, scheduled to hold across various states particularly in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, April 7, 2025.
According to the statement, the date coincides with the newly declared National Police Day, designated by the Federal Government to celebrate the service, dedication, and resilience of police officers across the country.
Adejobi emphasized that while the police respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, it is concerned about the motive behind organizing a protest on a day set aside to honor the contributions of the Nigeria Police to national security.
It added that the event is expected to draw high-level dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and diplomats.
The Nigeria Police Force maintained that holding a protest on such a significant day raises questions about the intent and could be seen as an attempt to undermine the image of the Police Force and the nation.
It noted that Nigeria has joined other nations in institutionalizing a day to celebrate its police force, and the choice of this date for a protest appears deliberately provocative and ill-timed.
The statement urged the organizers to reconsider their plans and seek alternative, constructive means of engagement through appropriate governmental channels.
The NPF restated its commitment to upholding the law and respecting citizens’ rights but encourages dialogue over disruption.
