Police Urge Cancellation of April 7 Protest, Call Timing “Provocative”

By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe 

The Nigeria Police Force has called on the organisers of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025, to cancel the event, citing its overlap with National Police Day.

The protest, organised by the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, is intended to address a range of pressing national issues. However, police officials have labelled the timing as “provocative” and “ill-considered,” warning that it risks damaging the reputation of both the police force and the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, argued that the protest coinciding with National Police Day, a date officially designated by the Nigerian government to recognise the police force, was highly inappropriate.

“In line with global standards of celebrating police institutions, the Nigerian government has declared April 7 as National Police Day to honour the achievements of the police,” the statement said.

“To hold a nationwide protest on the same day raises questions and is seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the police force and tarnish the image of Nigeria.”

The police urged protest organisers to seek peaceful dialogue rather than confrontation, stressing their ongoing commitment to upholding the law while respecting citizens’ rights.

“Under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to protecting the public and encouraging lawful channels of engagement. We urge organisers and potential protesters to use institutional platforms to voice their concerns,” the statement concluded.

As of now, the TIB Movement has not officially responded to the police’s request, setting the stage for potential tensions ahead of Monday’s demonstration.