The Lagos State Police Command has placed its commanders and officers on high alert ahead of a planned nationwide protest scheduled for April 7, 2025.
The directive follows intelligence indicating that certain groups operating under the guise of civil society organisations (CSOs) are mobilising citizens for demonstrations focused on rising living costs and perceived suppression of free speech.
In a circular signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tijani O. Fatai, the Command warned of coordinated efforts to discredit the government and incite unrest, particularly through social media platforms.
The circular reads: “Intelligence report at the Command disposal reveals a plan by some subversive groups parading themselves as Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, and other misguided anti-government forces, to incite nationwide protest on 7th April 2025 aimed at drawing the attention of the Government to their perceived prevailing high cost of living and free speech suppression.
“Furthermore, the groups have flooded the social media platforms with narrations geared towards winning public sympathy, discrediting the government and galvanising support for the protest. Experience has shown that criminals may want to seize the opportunity of the protest to cause mayhem, particularly to launch attacks on government facilities and opposition leaders to disrupt socio-economic activities in the State, amongst others.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered security measures to be beefed up around critical installations and other strategic locations across the State in order to forestall any untoward development before, during and after the proposed protest.”
The mission of the operation includes ensuring a peaceful protest without security breaches, preventing criminal hijack, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and maintaining the free flow of traffic.
Key locations mentioned in the operation order include Gani Fawehinmi Park, National Stadium, Labour House Yaba, Ikorodu Roundabout, Ikeja Underbridge, Obalende Underbridge, Ikotun Roundabout, Allen Roundabout, Iyana-Iba, Chevron Roundabout, Ajah, Oshodi, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule Egba, Trade-Fair, Cele Express/Oke-Afa/Ejigbo, Apple Junction, Ajao Estate, Ijora-Olopa Underbridge, Ojuelegba, Falomo, Marina/Broad Street, Otedola Underbridge, Iponri/Breweries, Igando, LASU/Ojo, Mushin, Idi-Oro, Ketu/Mile 12 Underbridge, Berger Bridge, Pen-Cinema, Lekki Toll-Gate, and Lekki/Ikoyi Link Bridge by Admiralty Way.
Critical infrastructure to be protected includes Egbin Terminal Ijede, INEC Offices, media houses, police facilities, state government offices in Alausa and Marina, fuel stations, the National Theatre, Imota Rice Mill, food hubs, warehouses, major markets, hospitals, malls, train stations, LASWA Ferry Terminals, LAMATA Bus Terminals, Fela Shrine, and various court buildings.
Personnel for the operation will be drawn from various security units including the Department of Operations Ikeja, State Criminal and Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), Area Commands, Rapid Response Squad, Task Force Oshodi, multiple Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Counter Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, and the Anti-Bomb Disposal Base.
The planned protest is spearheaded by the Take-It-Back (TIB) movement and allied groups, who aim to challenge the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and what they describe as an unconstitutional “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
TIB National Coordinator Juwon Sanyaolu outlined key demands during a press briefing, including the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, an end to military-style governance in Rivers State, and the reinstatement of the suspended State House of Assembly and executive structures.
Sanyaolu stressed that protests would be held nationwide and not limited to the Federal Capital Territory, with plans underway for simultaneous demonstrations in multiple locations.