The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong caution to a group known as the “Take It Back Movement” over plans to stage a nationwide protest on Monday, April 7, 2025 — the same day declared by the Federal Government as National Police Day.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 6, by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police expressed concern over the motive behind staging a protest on a day set aside to honour the resilience and dedication of police officers across the country.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the NPF emphasized that the timing of the protest raises serious questions. “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated,” the statement read.
Highlighting the significance of the day, the Force noted that, “Such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.”
The police described the protest as potentially “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 NPF therefore advised the organizers to reconsider their plans. “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the Force’s dedication to upholding the law and respecting citizens’ rights, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, urged those behind the planned protest to consider more constructive means of engagement.
“We urge 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 statement concluded.
