April 7th Nationwide protest: Police disperse Abuja protesters with tear gas

The Nigeria Police on Monday fired tear gas at peaceful protesters in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets demanding urgent government action on worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.

The protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with various civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations at the Eagle Square.

Security arrangements for the official event had placed a blockade around the Three Arms Zone, where high-ranking police officials were expected to attend the ceremony honoring the service of the Nigeria Police Force.

Demonstrators, including human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, carried placards with messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”

The protest aimed to highlight the growing wave of authoritarianism under the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, led the mobilization and pointed out the key issues fueling the protest, including soaring inflation, nationwide insecurity, and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

As of the time of reporting, no confirmed injuries or arrests had been reported.