Youths Rally Nationwide Under #TakeItBack Movement Amid Heavy Police Presence.
Youths across Nigeria, under the banner of the #TakeItBack Movement, held peaceful protests in several states yesterday despite earlier warnings from the police. The demonstrations, staged to draw attention to pressing national issues, highlighted concerns over the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, growing economic hardship, and the political crisis in Rivers State.
Protesters, recognisable by their orange berets and placards bearing slogans like “Stop the repression” and “Let us breathe”, were met with significant police presence in major cities. Law enforcement authorities had previously cautioned against the protest, citing the timing as “mischievous” due to its clash with the National Police Day celebrations.
In Abuja, the protest was led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. Demonstrators gathered in the Maitama area but were soon dispersed with tear gas, disrupting their peaceful procession. The rally coincided with the grand finale of the Police Day event at Eagle Square, prompting traffic diversions and congestion in the city centre.
Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the #TakeItBack Movement, said the protests were necessary to resist what he described as “increasing authoritarianism” by the government and to demand urgent relief for citizens facing inflation and insecurity.
In Rivers State, tensions escalated as police clashed with protesters, dispersing them with tear gas. Several demonstrators were reportedly assaulted. Amanye King, the state coordinator, decried the unconstitutional removal of the state governor and lawmakers, urging for a restoration of democratic governance in the region.
Yobe State witnessed similar scenes, with the arrest of the state coordinator, Abubakar Jawa, and four others. The police, however, denied knowledge of the arrests, maintaining that no formal request for protection was made by the group.
In Lagos, protesters were blocked from accessing the State House of Assembly, although they marched peacefully from Ikeja Under Bridge to Alausa. Despite the barricades, no violence was reported, and demonstrators vowed to continue their advocacy.
Osun and Oyo states also recorded protests, with participants criticising the Cybercrime Act and its implications on free speech. Osun coordinator Lijofi Victor urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and repeal the law, stating that it poses a threat to journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the movement warned the President, the Inspector-General of Police, and lawmakers to desist from suppressing free speech through “obnoxious laws”. Protesters gathered peacefully at Iwo Road, with security forces ensuring order.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International expressed alarm over the treatment of protesters and journalists in Abuja, Yobe and Port Harcourt. The organisation condemned the use of force and called for a full investigation into the incidents.
“Protesters and journalists were beaten in Port Harcourt. In Yobe, four activists were unlawfully arrested. These acts are unacceptable and must be addressed,” Amnesty said in a statement.
In response, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters’ concerns and affirmed their right to peaceful assembly. He urged protesters to avoid violence and the destruction of national infrastructure.
“There is freedom of expression for all. The young people protesting have valid reasons. If I had the time, I would join them,” Olawande stated. “But let protests remain peaceful. Do not destroy the progress we’ve made as a nation.”
Despite disruptions, the #TakeItBack Movement has vowed to continue its peaceful protests, announcing a possible second wave in August if their demands remain unmet. The protests mark a growing wave of civic engagement among Nigerian youths, reflecting their desire for accountability, justice, and better governance.
