The Lagos State Police Command has issued a directive to all commanders and officers within its jurisdiction in preparation for a nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to NIVO Online, the protest is being organized by the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement, a civil society coalition, along with other allied groups. The movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, stated that the protest aims to challenge the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act and protest what they describe as an ongoing “state of emergency” in Rivers State, which they claim reflects military-style governance under President Bola Tinubu.

Core demands of the demonstration include the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the restoration of suspended democratic institutions in Rivers State, such as the State House of Assembly and the Executive arm.

In response, the Lagos Police Command disclosed, via an intelligence circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tijani O. Fatai, that it had received credible intelligence suggesting that certain groups operating under the cover of civil society organisations plan to mobilize mass protests nationwide.

The intelligence report described the planned protests as being driven by grievances over rising living costs and restrictions on freedom of expression. It also warned that subversive elements could exploit the situation to incite violence, attack government infrastructure, and destabilize socio-economic activities.

To address potential threats, the Commissioner of Police has directed the deployment of heightened security measures across critical and strategic locations in Lagos. The operation will ensure peaceful demonstrations, deter criminal hijack, and protect lives and property throughout the event.

The police identified key protest flashpoints, including but not limited to:
Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House in Yaba, Ikorodu Roundabout, Ikeja and Obalende Underbridges, Iyana-Iba, Chevron Roundabout, Ajah, Oshodi, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule Egba, Cele Express, Ejigbo, Apple Junction, Ajao Estate, Ojuelegba, Marina, Falomo, and several others.

Additionally, security will be reinforced around vital infrastructure such as the INEC offices, media houses, police stations, state secretariats, petrol stations, food distribution hubs, major markets, malls, hospitals, transport terminals, and judicial institutions.

The directive emphasizes maintaining public order, ensuring the free movement of traffic, and safeguarding law-abiding citizens who wish to go about their regular activities during the protest.

Personnel for the operation will be drawn from multiple units, including the State Operations Department, SCIID Yaba, Area Commands, the Rapid Response Squad, various Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, the Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Units, and the Bomb Disposal Squad.

The Lagos Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security while respecting citizens’ rights to lawful protest.