The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has called on the “Take It Back Movement” to cancel their planned statewide protest on Monday, April 7, 2025, describing the date as ill-timed and malicious.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force expressed concern about the protest, which is planned to take place across various states, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The date coincides with the federal government’s announcement of April 7 as National Police Day, a day set aside to honour the resilience and dedication of Nigeria Police Force officers and men.
While acknowledging people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and association, the NPF questioned why a protest was held on the same day as a key event honouring the Force’s contributions to national security.
The celebration, which will include guests from many sectors, such as international inspectors general of police and ambassadors, intends to highlight the police institution’s achievements.
The Force warned that protesting on National Police Day could harm the police force’s reputation and the country as a whole.
The police statement reads, “The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called the “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such a protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security are to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such a 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.
”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 the rights of citizens, hereby urges all the organisers 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.”
