Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday disrupted a peaceful protest in the Maitama area of Abuja, using tear gas to disperse demonstrators demanding urgent government intervention in Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis and rising repression.
The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebration held at Eagle Square — an event that saw heavy security presence and road blockades around the Three Arms Zone.
Prominent among the protesters was human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who joined demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.” The protest aimed to spotlight what organizers described as a growing authoritarian climate under the current administration, exacerbated by the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and a “state of emergency” declared in Rivers State.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, highlighted critical grievances including spiraling inflation, increasing insecurity, and the stifling of democratic freedoms.
Although the demonstration started peacefully, it descended into chaos after security operatives launched tear gas into the crowd. Protesters were seen scrambling to safety, with tensions flaring across the area.
As of the time of reporting, no injuries or arrests had been confirmed.
The National Assembly complex, which had been one of the protesters’ key targets, remained largely empty due to the ongoing legislative recess. Lawmakers are expected to resume sitting on April 29.
Despite the police response, protest leaders maintained their resolve, describing the march as both timely and necessary. They called on the government to urgently address the harsh economic realities confronting Nigerians and uphold the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.
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