The Lagos State Police Command has issued a heightened security directive to officers and commanders across the state in response to intelligence indicating a planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025. The protest is being organized by civil society groups, including the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, to oppose what they describe as widespread suppression of civil liberties, the controversial Cybercrime Act, and the prolonged “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
According to the police, while the protests are being presented as a civic action by activist organizations, there are concerns that criminal elements could exploit the demonstrations to incite violence and disrupt public order.
Protest Driven by Cybercrime Act, Rivers Political Crisis
The nationwide protest was announced earlier in the week by the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu. In a statement, he cited the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to silence critics and activists online as one of the main grievances.
He also condemned what he referred to as the “military-style dictatorship” under President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the handling of political unrest in Rivers State. Protesters are demanding the reinstatement of suspended democratic institutions in the state, including the House of Assembly and the Executive branch, which were suspended following a protracted political crisis.
“Our demands are clear: repeal the Cybercrime Act and restore democratic governance in Rivers State,” Sanyaolu stated. The organisers are also drawing attention to the growing cost of living and alleged government repression of free speech, issues they say are severely impacting Nigerian citizens.
Police Issue Warnings Over Possible Hijack of Protest
In response, the Lagos State Police Command has released an internal circular, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tijani O. Fatai, warning of the potential for the protest to be hijacked by subversive elements.
The document describes the protest organizers as “misguided anti-government forces” allegedly working under the banner of civil society organizations. According to the circular, intelligence suggests these groups have flooded social media with provocative content in a bid to galvanise public sympathy and mobilize large crowds.
“Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem,” the circular noted, adding that government institutions, opposition figures, and critical infrastructure could be targets of coordinated attacks.
Massive Deployment Across Strategic Locations
To counter potential threats, the police have announced massive security deployments across Lagos, particularly at known protest convergence points and vital infrastructure hubs. The directive outlines an extensive list of locations that will be heavily policed, including:
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Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota
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National Stadium, Surulere
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Labour House, Yaba
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Ikeja Underbridge, Falomo, Ikorodu Roundabout, Oshodi, Ajah, and Obalende
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Markets, bus terminals, train stations, food distribution centers, courts, media houses, and fuel stations
The order mandates that critical installations such as the INEC offices, National Theatre, State House in Alausa, Police facilities, LAMATA bus terminals, and Rice Mill, Imota must be secured before, during, and after the planned protests.
Objectives of the Police Operation
According to the mission briefing in the circular, the operation is aimed at achieving the following goals:
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Facilitating peaceful protests without security breakdowns.
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Preventing hijacking by hoodlums or criminal groups.
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Protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring continuity of socio-economic activity.
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Maintaining traffic flow and safeguarding law-abiding citizens.
The directive emphasizes that while the right to peaceful protest is protected, law enforcement will act decisively to prevent any breach of law and order.
Tactical Units and Manpower Mobilised
The police confirmed that a wide array of tactical and conventional units will be involved in the operation. Personnel will be drawn from:
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Department of Operations, Ikeja
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State Criminal Investigation Department (SCIID), Yaba
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Rapid Response Squad (RRS)
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Police Mobile Force (PMF) from units across Lagos, Keffi, Epe, and Ikorodu
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Special Protection Units (SPU)
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Counter Terrorism Units
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Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit
This extensive mobilization reflects the state’s intent to maintain tight security and deter any escalation into violence.
Rising Tensions as Protest Day Nears
The April 7 protest comes at a time of mounting political tension and economic hardship in Nigeria. Inflation, rising fuel costs, food insecurity, and recent restrictions on digital freedoms have stirred public dissatisfaction, especially among youths and civil society groups.
The protest also reflects growing unease with the Tinubu administration’s handling of dissent, with critics citing the Cybercrime Act as a tool used to criminalize online speech, journalism, and whistleblowing.
Though no formal state of emergency has been declared in Rivers State, activists argue that the federal government’s response to the political standoff there has paralyzed governance and undermined constitutional democracy.
What to Expect on April 7
While security agencies prepare to neutralize potential threats, civil society groups have pledged that the protest will be peaceful and non-violent. Organizers insist they are exercising their constitutional rights and want to draw attention to urgent issues facing Nigerians.
Whether the protest proceeds without incident will depend on the balance between civic expression and state security, a balance that has become increasingly strained in recent years.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the government and law enforcement respond—and whether the protest will mark a turning point in the country’s ongoing struggle for democratic accountability.
