The Lagos State Police Command has issued a warning to officers across the country regarding a planned protest scheduled for April 7, 2025.
Intelligence gathered by the police suggests that several groups, posing as civil society organizations (CSOs), are organizing demonstrations nationwide.
The protests are reportedly driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and what the organizers perceive as government suppression of free speech.
A circular, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Tijani O. Fatai, notes that these groups have been actively using social media to criticize the government and gain support for their cause.
“Reports show that certain groups, masquerading as CSOs, are preparing for a national protest focused on the cost of living and the government’s repression of free speech,” the circular stated.
The police also expressed concern that criminal elements might exploit the protests to create chaos, targeting government facilities and opposition figures.
To counter potential threats, the police have implemented heightened security measures around critical infrastructure, including government buildings, media centres, and transportation networks, to ensure safety and prevent any disturbances during the protests.