The Lagos State Police Command has issued a comprehensive directive in anticipation of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025. This directive, disseminated to all commanders and officers under its jurisdiction, follows announcements by civil society organizations, including the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement, regarding their intention to stage protests across the country. The TIB, as articulated by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, aims to address concerns regarding the perceived misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the ongoing “state of emergency” in Rivers State, which the organization characterizes as a form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. They are demanding the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, the termination of emergency rule in Rivers State, and the reinstatement of suspended government institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive branch.
While the TIB and affiliated groups focus their protest on these specific concerns, the Lagos Police Command’s intelligence suggests a broader range of grievances driving the planned demonstrations. Their internal reports indicate that various groups, operating under the guise of civil society organizations, are mobilizing for protests centered on the high cost of living and alleged suppression of free speech by the government. These groups have reportedly taken to social media platforms to disseminate their narratives, aiming to garner public support and discredit the government. The police command is particularly concerned about the potential for criminal elements to exploit the protests, possibly targeting government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities.
To preempt any potential disruptions and maintain law and order, the Commissioner of Police has ordered heightened security measures around critical installations and strategic locations throughout Lagos State. This proactive approach aims to ensure the protest proceeds peacefully while simultaneously preventing any opportunistic criminal activities. The police are particularly vigilant about potential flashpoints and areas where large gatherings are expected.
The operational order issued by the Lagos Police Command outlines a multi-pronged strategy to address the potential challenges posed by the planned protests. The primary objectives include ensuring the peaceful execution of the protest, preventing criminal elements from hijacking the demonstrations, and maintaining the safety and security of both protesters and the general public. The police aim to achieve these objectives by deploying a substantial force drawn from various departments, including the Department of Operations, the State Criminal and Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Area Command Headquarters, Rapid Response Squad, Task Force, Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, and the Anti-Bomb Disposal Unit.
The police plan to establish a strong presence at key locations identified as potential protest convergence points. These include prominent public spaces such as Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House, and various roundabouts and underbridges across the city. The directive also emphasizes securing critical infrastructure, including government buildings, media houses, police facilities, energy installations, transportation hubs, markets, hospitals, and courts. This comprehensive approach seeks to minimize the risk of disruption to essential services and protect vital assets from potential attacks.
Furthermore, the police operation aims to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens and maintain the free flow of traffic throughout the duration of the protest. This involves deploying personnel to manage crowds, direct traffic, and respond to any incidents that may arise. The overall goal is to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to uphold public safety and maintain order. The extensive preparations and deployment of resources reflect the Lagos Police Command’s commitment to mitigating potential risks and ensuring a peaceful resolution to the planned protests. They are committed to facilitating the exercise of free speech while simultaneously preventing any escalation of violence or disruption to public life.
