Nigeria Police Force Issues Caution Against Planned Nationwide Protest on National Police Day Press Release – 6th April 2025

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a formal statement expressing concern over the planned nationwide protest by the "Take It Back Movement," scheduled for Monday, 7th April 2025.

The protest is set to take place across various states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), coinciding with the Federal Government’s declaration of 7th April as the National Police Day—a day set aside to honor the resilience, dedication, and contributions of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring national security.

While the NPF recognizes and upholds the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, it has raised concerns over the timing and motive of the protest. The Police Force points out that the protest is scheduled on the same day as National Police Day, which is meant to be a significant occasion to celebrate the role of the police in maintaining peace and order in the country. The celebration is expected to attract dignitaries from various sectors, including foreign Inspectors-General of Police and international diplomats, highlighting the importance of the day in national security affairs.

In the statement, the NPF expressed concern that staging a protest on this day could be viewed as a deliberate attempt to disrupt a momentous event intended to honor the police force. "Such an event risks tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force and, by extension, the reputation of the country as a whole," the press release stated.

The Police Force also emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring national security and protecting citizens' rights, while reaffirming the NPF's dedication to fulfilling its duties in line with the law. The Force further stated that the timing of the protest, which coincides with a day meant to recognize the hard work of police officers, could be interpreted as an unpatriotic and disruptive act.

The statement, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, urged the organizers of the protest to reconsider their plans. “We advise the organizers to shelve this protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous,” the statement read. The NPF also recommended that those wishing to express grievances or pursue their demands engage with the proper government institutions through dialogue rather than disruptive public demonstrations.

The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law and respecting the rights of citizens, but urged that such matters be addressed through appropriate channels rather than protests on a day set aside to honor the institution.

As the protest draws near, all eyes will be on the government’s response to the planned demonstration, with the NPF calling for a peaceful and constructive dialogue to address any issues the protesters may wish to raise.

For inquiries, please contact:

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
Date: 6th April 2025