Police Teargas Protesters In Abuja

Personnel of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas canisters on Monday, 7 April 2025, to disperse protesters gathered in Maitama, Abuja, over concerns about cyberbullying and the country’s harsh economic conditions.

The peaceful demonstration turned chaotic as the tear gas forced many to flee for safety.

The protest, part of a nationwide movement led by the Take-It-Back Movement and other civil society groups, began earlier in the day to highlight pressing national issues. Organizers pointed to the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, escalating economic hardship, and what they called a “state of emergency” in Rivers State as key grievances.

Protesters marched through the Federal Capital Territory with placards reading “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined the demonstration to show support. In a statement last Friday, Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, explained that the protest aimed to challenge the “increasing authoritarianism” of the current administration and demand relief for Nigerians grappling with inflation and insecurity.

As of this report’s filing, no injuries or arrests were confirmed, though the situation remains tense.