The Nigeria Police command in Kogi State has issued a warning against “ill-timed protests across the country.”
The planned protest by the “Take It Back Movement” was addressed in a statement released on Sunday in response to a query from our reporter, with reference number AZ.5300/FPRD/FHS/ZBJ/VOL.6/6/409.
The statement, made available to newsmen in Lokoja, reads, “We have read in the news that a group called the ‘Take It Back Movement’ is planning to hold a protest across various states of the Federation, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday, 7th April 2025.”
It further noted that the proposed date for the protest coincides with National Police Day — a day set aside by the federal government to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
While the Nigeria Police Force affirmed that it is not against the exercise of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and association, as enshrined in the Constitution, it expressed deep concern over the motive behind the planned protest.
The protest, scheduled to be held on the same day set aside to celebrate the contributions of the police to national security, raised eyebrows within the force.
The police noted that the National Police Day is expected to be a glamorous event that will draw dignitaries from across various sectors.
Attendees are expected to include high-profile guests from within the country and abroad, including foreign Inspectors General of Police and diplomats.
In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of their police institutions, the Nigerian government has taken the bull by the horns by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day.
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 organisers to shelve this planned protest, as it is ill-timed and mischievous.
“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 statement added.
