Peaceful protests in Abuja turned chaotic on Monday as operatives of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas at demonstrators rallying against worsening economic conditions and alleged abuses of civil rights under the Cybercrime Act.
The demonstration, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement and supported by several civil society groups, took place in the Maitama area. Protesters were calling for urgent government intervention on inflation, insecurity, and what they described as growing authoritarianism.
Coinciding with the Nigeria Police Day celebration at Eagle Square, security was heightened across central Abuja, with barricades placed around the Three Arms Zone — the intended destination of the protesters.
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Among those in attendance was human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who carried placards bearing messages like “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”
The protest began peacefully but descended into confusion as police dispersed the crowd using tear gas. Protesters were seen fleeing the scene as tensions escalated. At the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries or arrests.
Speaking to news men on Monday Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, criticized the authorities’ actions and emphasised the peaceful nature of the protest. “All we want is for the government to listen to the cries of the people,” Sanyaolu told reporters.
“This is not about politics — it’s about hunger, injustice, and the abuse of fundamental rights. The people are suffering, and yet they are silenced for demanding change.”
