Breaking: Police use tear gas on peaceful protesters in Abuja.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force dispersed peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja on Monday. The demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action regarding worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.

The protest was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations. It coincided with the National Police Day celebrations at Eagle Square. As a security measure for the official event, authorities established a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were set to attend a ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force. Protesters, including human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” aimed at highlighting what the organizers described as a growing wave of authoritarianism under the current administration. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, who led the mobilization, outlined key issues fueling the protest, including soaring inflation, nationwide insecurity, and what he called a “state of emergency” in Rivers State. Although the protest began peacefully, it descended into chaos when police operatives deployed tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters were seen fleeing the area as tensions escalated.

There were no confirmed reports of injuries or arrests at the time of reporting. Meanwhile, the National Assembly complex—one of the intended destinations for the protesters—remained largely deserted due to the ongoing legislative recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to resume on April 29. Despite the disruption, protest leaders insisted that the demonstration was both necessary and timely, emphasizing the urgent need for government action to address rising economic hardship, insecurity, and perceived efforts to silence dissent.