On Monday, young demonstrators under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement defied a police warning and held protests in several Nigerian cities, including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers states.
The protesters, identifiable by their signature orange berets, kicked off their rally in Lagos at the Ikeja Under Bridge. They marched through major roads in the state capital, chanting solidarity songs, all under the watchful eyes of police officers.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had earlier urged the movement to call off its planned nationwide protests, calling the timing of the demonstrations “ill-conceived and mischievous.”
In response, activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore swiftly rejected the police’s claims, asserting that the protest, which was scheduled for Monday, was not intended to disrupt the National Police Day celebrations.
The Take-It-Back Movement protests often focus on broader issues rather than specific demands. The movement has been vocal in addressing concerns such as Nigeria’s economic state, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, and other national issues.
In Oyo State, the movement held a peaceful protest in Ibadan, the state capital, with security forces present to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly.
