The Lagos State Police Command has heightened security measures across the state in anticipation of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025. This development follows intelligence reports suggesting that several civil society groups are mobilizing for demonstrations focused on the increasing cost of living and concerns over government restrictions on free speech.
According to a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tijani O. Fatai, the police are preparing for potential unrest linked to what the Command described as efforts by “subversive groups” using the platform of civil society organisations to spark mass protests. The Command expressed concern that such activities may be used by criminal elements to incite violence, disrupt public order, and target government and private facilities.
The circular stated that the police will deploy personnel to key locations across Lagos to prevent any breakdown of law and order. These include protest hotspots such as Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House in Yaba, and major junctions and roundabouts like Ikeja Underbridge, Obalende, Ikotun, Chevron Roundabout, Oshodi, and others. Sensitive infrastructure, including INEC offices, media houses, markets, hospitals, train stations, and government buildings, will also be closely guarded.
The directive outlines the police’s mission to ensure that the protests remain peaceful, protect lives and property, prevent criminal infiltration, and maintain uninterrupted economic and social activities. The police have also committed to facilitating the free movement of law-abiding citizens and ensuring smooth traffic flow throughout the demonstration period.
The manpower for the operation will include officers from the Department of Operations in Ikeja, the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yaba, the Rapid Response Squad in Alausa, the Lagos State Task Force in Oshodi, and various mobile police force units and special tactical teams based across the state.
The protest is being spearheaded by the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement alongside allied organisations. These groups have accused the federal government of weaponizing the Cybercrime Act to intimidate journalists, social media users, and critics. They have also condemned what they call “military-style governance” in Rivers State, citing the suspension of democratic institutions and demanding the reinstatement of the State House of Assembly and other executive bodies.
At a press conference, TIB National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu outlined the core demands of the protest, including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and an end to what he described as the erosion of civil liberties. He emphasized that the demonstrations will not be limited to Abuja but will span several states nationwide.
