Northern youth disowns planned protest, cautions against civil unrest
By Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja and Emmanuel Agbo, Kaduna
The Nigeria Police Force has issued a blistering condemnation of planned nationwide protests by the “Take It Back Movement”, warning demonstrators to immediately abandon what authorities have branded a deliberate attempt to humiliate the nation on the inaugural National Police Day.
The was contained in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, declaring the April 7th demonstrations as “questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole”.
The protests, coinciding with visits from 12 African police commanders and EU delegates, threaten to overshadow ceremonies honouring officers killed in service.
The Nigeria Police Force, led by IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed its commitment to lawful operations and protecting citizens’ rights. It has therefore advised protest organisers and participants to seek dialogue with relevant government institutions rather than holding demonstrations.
Full statement:
The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called “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 the 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 protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such 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 its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn 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 organizers 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 rights of citizens hereby urges all the organizers 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.
Meanwhile, leader of the group Omoyele Sowore, has rejected claims by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that the planned nationwide protest by the ‘Take It Back’ movement on Monday is aimed at undermining the National Police Day celebration.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Mr Sowore criticised the statement issued by the police, describing it as an attempt to divert attention from the controversies surrounding the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“It is the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of ILLEGAL Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that should reconsider their program,” he wrote.
“No amount of such initiatives can save Egbetokun from the controversy surrounding his illegal, unjust, and scandalous appointment by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He further called on Mr Egbetokun to retire from the police force upon completing 35 years in service, just as others before him have done. According to him, the country needs a reformed police institution.
“Nigeria needs a new police force, not one headed by a spent force IGP utilising diversionary tactics to shift public attention from his shortcomings and scandals,” he said. “Regardless, tomorrow’s protest must go on across Nigeria. Nothing can stop the movement of the people!”
In related development, the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has categorically distanced itself from the planned “Take It Back” national protest scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025, warning that the exercise could further exacerbate the fragile security and socio-political conditions currently facing the country, particularly in the Northern region.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Isah Abubakar, the Council expressed concern over the potential for violence and the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements, as witnessed in past demonstrations across the country.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions across various regions and the current socio-political climate,” the Council stated. “As an organisation committed to the empowerment and development of Nigerian youth, we understand the frustrations and aspirations of young Nigerians.
However, we believe that, in light of the current situation, the nation requires calm, dialogue, and patience rather than actions that could further destabilise the fragile peace we are working hard to uphold.”
The NYCN’s position comes amidst widespread mobilisation by the Take It Back Movement led by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who has vowed to proceed with the protest despite warnings from security agencies. The planned protest seeks to draw attention to the worsening cost of living, insecurity, unemployment, and perceived government inefficiencies.
But the NYCN, a leading youth advocacy body in the region, urged Nigerian youth particularly those in Northern states to shun the demonstration and instead channel their energies into peaceful and constructive avenues that promote national cohesion.
“We urge our fellow young Nigerians to come together in solidarity—not through protests, but through peaceful engagements that foster lasting change,” the Council appealed.
It recalled the violent outcomes of previous demonstrations, including the End Bad Governance protests in August 2024, which were marred by looting, destruction of property, and deadly clashes with security agencies. The protests, initially peaceful, were hijacked by hoodlums, leading to the deaths of several civilians and injuries to law enforcement officers.
“No one desires a repeat of such tragic events,” NYCN stated. “We all saw what happened during the last round of protests—lives were lost, properties worth millions destroyed, and the initial objectives were derailed by the actions of miscreants.”
Reaffirming its commitment to youth inclusion and national development, the NYCN pledged to continue working with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to provide credible platforms for youth participation and advocacy.
“It is crucial that we unite as one force to advocate for our rights and work together to build a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria,” the Council noted.
The statement concluded with an appeal to Nigerian youth to remain calm, shun violence, and engage in lawful activities as they push for reforms and better governance.
“Let us allow the government to address the pressing issues at hand while we play our part in safeguarding peace and promoting national unity,” NYCN added.
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