Undeterred by police warnings, members of the Take-It-Back Movement on Monday staged coordinated demonstrations across several Nigerian states, including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers.
The protests aimed to express deep dissatisfaction with the federal government’s handling of the nation’s worsening economic conditions and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Sporting their trademark orange berets, demonstrators in Lagos began their march at the popular Ikeja Under Bridge. From there, they proceeded through key parts of the city, chanting protest songs and demanding accountability. Police officers closely monitored the scene but did not intervene as the protest remained largely peaceful.
Prior to the demonstration, the Nigeria Police Force had issued a stern advisory calling for the cancellation of the planned rallies. The police described the movement’s actions as “ill-conceived” and accused organizers of attempting to sabotage the newly instituted National Police Day celebrations.
Responding to these allegations, renowned activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, a prominent figure in the Take-It-Back Movement, dismissed the police claims as baseless. According to Sowore, the protests were not aimed at disrupting any national celebration but were rather a response to the government’s consistent failure to address fundamental issues affecting millions of Nigerians.
“This movement is not about any Police Day. It’s about the hardships Nigerians are facing every day. The rising cost of living, poor governance, and now a state of emergency declared without clear justification in Rivers State—all these demand urgent attention. The people deserve a voice, and no amount of intimidation will stop that,” Sowore said.
The protest movement also reached Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, where activists held a peaceful rally. Similar to the situation in Lagos, security agents were stationed around strategic areas to maintain order. Despite the heavy police presence, the demonstrations in Oyo proceeded without incident or violence.
In Rivers State, where the federal government recently imposed a state of emergency amid political instability and escalating tensions, the movement’s presence signified growing national concern over what many see as undemocratic responses to regional crises.
The Take-It-Back Movement, which has consistently challenged the status quo, continues to be a vocal critic of policies they view as detrimental to the average Nigerian. From tackling systemic corruption to advocating for economic reforms, the group has maintained its commitment to grassroots activism and civic engagement.
As the nation grapples with increasing public dissatisfaction, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this new wave of organized resistance. For now, the Take-It-Back Movement’s message is clear: Nigerians are demanding change—and they are willing to take to the streets to make their voices heard.
