The Lagos State Police Command has activated heightened security protocols across the state ahead of a planned nationwide protest set for Monday, April 7, 2025.
The protest, organised by civil society groups under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), seeks to draw attention to the rising cost of living and what organisers describe as a growing assault on press freedom and civil liberties in the country.
In an internal circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, the Command cited intelligence reports indicating that certain “subversive elements” are using social media and public forums to galvanise support for the demonstrations.
The Command warned that some actors may attempt to hijack the protest for criminal activities.
“In line with the Commissioner of Police’s directive, security has been beefed up around sensitive government institutions, major landmarks, and potential protest hotspots across Lagos,” the statement noted.
Key locations to be monitored include the Lekki Toll Gate, Ojuelegba, Ikeja Underbridge, National Stadium, and various other high-traffic areas.
The operation will draw manpower from various arms of the police force, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), State Criminal and Intelligence Investigation Department (SCIID), Mobile Police Force units, the Counter Terrorism Unit, and the Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit.
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The planned protest has been largely driven by dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the economy and alleged suppression of dissent.
TIB’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, at a press briefing, outlined core demands including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which critics argue is being weaponized against journalists and social media users.
Sanyaolu also condemned the political situation in Rivers State, referring to it as a “constitutional crisis” and demanding the reinstatement of suspended democratic institutions.
Despite police warnings, organisers insist the protest will go ahead peacefully and will be staged across major cities in the country, not just in the Federal Capital Territory.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has urged law-abiding citizens to continue their daily activities without fear, assuring that officers will be deployed to ensure public safety, prevent traffic disruptions, and guard against criminal exploitation of the protests.