Tension flared in Abuja on Monday as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas to disperse peaceful demonstrators protesting worsening economic hardship and alleged government repression.
The protest, held in the Maitama district, was spearheaded by the Take-It-Back Movement alongside several civil society groups.
Protesters rallied to voice frustrations over inflation, insecurity, and perceived misuse of the Cybercrime Act—issues they say are contributing to growing authoritarianism in the country.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those in attendance, holding placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
The demonstration was staged to coincide with National Police Day celebrations taking place nearby at Eagle Square.
In anticipation of high-profile attendance at the official event, security forces had cordoned off the Three Arms Zone. This included barricading routes leading to the National Assembly and key government buildings.
Despite the protest’s peaceful start, chaos erupted when police officers launched tear gas canisters into the crowd, causing panic and forcing demonstrators to flee. No injuries or arrests had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, said the action was a necessary response to worsening national conditions.
“We are living through a crisis. Inflation is through the roof, insecurity is rampant, and dissent is being criminalized,” he said.
The National Assembly complex—one of the protest’s intended stops—remained largely empty, as lawmakers are currently on recess until April 29.
Despite the disruption, protest leaders vowed to continue their advocacy, calling on the government to urgently address the root causes of public discontent and respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
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