Nigeria Police Fire Tear Gas at Peaceful Protesters in Abuja

Babatunji Wusu –

• Nigeria Police used tear gas against peaceful protesters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday.

• Protesters, led by the Take-It-Back Movement and civil society organizations, demanded government action on economic decline, rising repression, and misuse of the Cybercrime Act.

• The protest coincided with National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square, where police officials gathered.

• Authorities had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone for the event.

• Prominent figures like Omoyele Sowore participated, holding placards that read “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”

• The protest criticized the growing authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

• Key issues raised included inflation, insecurity, and the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

• As of the latest report, no injuries or arrests were confirmed.

On Monday, Nigeria Police fired tear gas at peaceful protesters in Maitama, Abuja, who were voicing their concerns over the country’s worsening economic conditions, increasing state repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act. This demonstration was part of a larger, nationwide protest organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations. It coincided with National Police Day celebrations held at Eagle Square, where senior police officials gathered for a ceremony honoring the Nigeria Police Force.

As part of the security arrangements for the official event, authorities had erected blockades around the Three Arms Zone, where the ceremony was held. Among the protesters was human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who carried placards that read “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” echoing the demonstrators’ call for an end to authoritarianism under the current administration.

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, underscored the central grievances driving the protest, including soaring inflation, widespread insecurity, and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. As of the latest updates, there have been no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests.