Despite warnings from the Nigeria Police Force, youths across Nigeria on Monday took to the streets in protest under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement, with demonstrations recorded in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Oyo, and other states.

In Lagos, protesters in the group’s signature orange berets converged at the Ikeja Under Bridge before marching through key roads, chanting solidarity songs under police surveillance. The protest, aimed at decrying economic hardship, the controversial Cybercrime Act, and political instability, continued peacefully in the state.

However, in Port Harcourt, the protest turned chaotic as police officers dispersed demonstrators with tear gas at Isaac Boro Park. Some protesters and journalists were allegedly assaulted during the operation. Participants insisted they had notified authorities beforehand through a letter dated April 3, 2025.

In Abuja, police also fired tear gas at protesters in the Maitama area, scattering the crowd who had gathered peacefully. Similar demonstrations occurred in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where security forces monitored proceedings without interference.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was seen leading demonstrators in Abuja, condemning what he described as growing authoritarianism in the country. Sowore, a consistent critic of government excesses, stated that the protest was a necessary stand against inflation, insecurity, and what he termed the unconstitutional suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

The protest, though lacking a single unified demand, spotlighted several issues, from economic hardship and misuse of state power to suppression of civil liberties. Protesters carried placards with messages such as “Let Us Breathe” and “Stop the Repression”.

Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi had earlier described the protest as “ill-timed and mischievous”, citing its clash with National Police Day. He urged the group to shelve the event, warning it could malign the image of the police and the country.

Despite the pushback, the Take-It-Back Movement insists its demonstrations are peaceful and constitutionally protected, pledging to continue pushing for accountability and better governance.

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