On Monday, April 7, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force used tear gas to disperse protesters gathered in the Maitama area of Abuja. The demonstrators had assembled peacefully to voice their concerns over several national issues, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, worsening economic hardship, and a declared “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with other civil society organizations, saw demonstrators carrying placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.” As the protestors made their way through the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, their peaceful march was disrupted when police operatives deployed tear gas canisters, causing chaos as protesters scrambled for safety.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was present at the protest site, showing solidarity with the movement’s demands for change. Sowore, known for his activism and criticism of the current administration, joined the protest to amplify calls for an end to authoritarianism and to demand urgent relief for Nigerians struggling with inflation and insecurity.
In a statement released ahead of the protest, Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, expressed the group’s concerns about the increasing authoritarianism of the current administration and the severe economic difficulties faced by Nigerians. “We are here today to resist the growing repression and demand action on the dire economic and security issues facing the nation,” Sanyaolu said.
At the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries or arrests, but the atmosphere remained tense as the police continued to monitor the situation. The demonstration is part of a wider series of protests across the country, signaling increasing frustration among Nigerians over the state of the nation.
