The Nigeria Police Force has advised organisers of a planned protest scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, to call it off, describing it as “ill-timed and mischievous.”
The protest, being championed by the “Take It Back Movement,” is expected to hold in various states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
However, it coincides with the maiden National Police Day declared by the Federal Government to honour the contributions of police officers to national security.
In a statement on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said while the police are not opposed to the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, the timing and motive of the planned protest are questionable.
He said, “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. ”
Adejobi noted that the declaration of April 7 as National Police Day aligns with international best practices, where nations dedicate a day to honour their police institutions.
Describing the planned protest as “ill-timed and mischievous,” the police advised the organizers to reconsider their plans and opt for more constructive channels of engagement with the appropriate authorities.
Adejobi said, “In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institutions, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horns 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.”
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding the law and respecting the rights of citizens, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, urged the group and their supporters to embrace dialogue and follow due process in pressing home their demands.
Adejobi said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”