The Lagos State Police Command has issued an alert to all commanders and officers, warning them about an upcoming nationwide protest planned for April 7, 2025.
According to reports from PUNCH Online, various civil society organizations, including the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement, have called for the protest to address issues related to the misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the ongoing “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
TIB’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, explained that the protest aims to push for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and an end to the emergency rule in Rivers, which the movement views as a form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
They are also calling for the reinstatement of suspended government institutions in Rivers, such as the State House of Assembly and the Executive.
In response to intelligence reports, the Lagos Police Command warned that certain groups, posing as civil society organizations, may use the protest to stir unrest across Nigeria.
A circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, outlines plans to deploy security forces to prevent any disruptions.
The circular states, “Some subversive groups, disguised as civil society organizations, intend to organize a nationwide protest on April 7, 2025, focusing on what they describe as the high cost of living and the suppression of free speech. These groups have also launched social media campaigns aimed at discrediting the government and rallying support.”
The police are concerned that the protest could be hijacked by criminals looking to cause chaos, particularly targeting government facilities and opposition leaders.
As a precaution, the Commissioner of Police has ordered enhanced security measures around critical infrastructures, such as government offices, media houses, markets, hospitals, and transportation hubs.
The operation will involve various law enforcement units, including the Rapid Response Squad, Special Protection Units, and the Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit, ensuring public safety and the free flow of traffic throughout the protest.
In summary, the Lagos Police Command is taking comprehensive steps to ensure that the protest, if it proceeds, does so without security incidents, protecting both citizens and government installations.
