Nationwide protests, spearheaded by the Take It Back (TIB) movement, have erupted across Nigeria, drawing attention to issues such as the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, and broader grievances related to bad governance. The protests, which took place on Monday, April 7, unfolded in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, despite warnings and attempts by law enforcement to quell the demonstrations.

In Abuja, protesters gathered in the Maitama district, only to be met with tear gas deployed by the Nigeria Police Force. The demonstrators, expressing their frustrations over the state of the economy and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, were dispersed as tear gas filled the air. The protest was part of a larger, nationwide action led by the Take It Back Movement, with prominent activist and 2023 presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore leading the charge.

Sowore, addressing the political authorities, declared, "We have informed the political authorities that we will not accept any laws that infringe on our fundamental human rights. We will continue to speak out." He highlighted the irony of the police's actions, noting, "Nigerian police are among the most mistreated globally, yet they continue to harm those advocating for their welfare. We will not tolerate this any longer."

Criticism was also directed at President Bola Tinubu, with Sowore stating, "While we protest here, Tinubu is busy enjoying himself in France. We will not sit idly while the president continues to suppress our rights." Sowore also questioned the legitimacy of the current Inspector General of Police, asserting that he had overstayed his tenure.

Similar protests took place in Lagos, where demonstrators, clad in orange berets, rallied from Ikeja Under Bridge, chanting slogans and singing solidarity songs. However, in Port Harcourt, protesters were met with tear gas before their demonstration could gain momentum.

The Take It Back Movement, led by National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu, has articulated core demands, including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the end of emergency rule in Rivers State, which they denounce as a "form of military dictatorship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration." The Nigeria Police Force had previously urged the organizers to call off the protests, encouraging dialogue with government institutions instead.

The protests coincided with National Police Day, a fact that the police force highlighted in their condemnation of the demonstrations. Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the protest appeared to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigerian police and the nation.

Despite the police's warnings and actions, Sowore and the Take It Back Movement remained resolute. Sowore rejected claims that the protest was organized to undermine National Police Day and called for a reformed police institution.

The heavy security presence in Abuja, with major institutions cordoned off by military and police, did not deter protesters. They were sighted with placards around Transcorp Hilton, Maitama, continuing their demonstration.

In response to the protests, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a directive requiring individuals and groups to notify law enforcement before engaging in camping or hiking activities, citing security risks.

As the protests continue, the situation remains tense, with potential implications for the political landscape and the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in Nigeria.