The Nigeria Police Force has officially called the April 7 protest ill-timed. The protest, set up by the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement, is planned for April 7, 2025 — the same day Nigeria will be marking its first-ever National Police Day.
In a statement released on Sunday, police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said the April 7 protest is not just badly timed but appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine the celebration of the police institution.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day,” the police statement read.
Why Nigeria Police Call April 7 Protest Ill-Timed
According to the police, the protest date clashes with a newly declared national day and appears suspicious. “The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole. The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
While the Take-It-Back movement claims the protest is in response to pressing national issues, the police believe it is an unnecessary distraction. Instead, they are calling on the organisers to adopt peaceful dialogue.
Police Urge Dialogue, Say April 7 Protest Should Be Cancelled
“The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands,” the police said.
Even though previous protests didn’t bring change, some groups are still eager to take to the streets. But we ask: if the last protest changed nothing, what will this one change? Is there truly a reason to go ahead with a protest the Nigeria Police call ill-timed? The focus is now on whether the movement will listen — or still go ahead with what the police insist is an “unpatriotic act.”
