Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force on Monday dispersed demonstrators in Abuja’s Maitama district with tear gas canisters.
The protest, led by the Take-It-Back Movement alongside other civil society organisations, was part of a coordinated nationwide action aimed at drawing attention to several urgent national concerns.
The demonstration, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after police officers reportedly fired tear gas to disband the crowd. Protesters were seen running for safety as the atmosphere became tense.
Participants marched through the Federal Capital Territory with placards bearing messages such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe.” Among them was human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The group voiced discontent over worsening economic conditions, alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act, and what they described as a “state of emergency” in Rivers State.
Take-It-Back Movement’s National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, had earlier issued a statement describing the protest as a response to “growing authoritarianism” and a call for immediate measures to address inflation, insecurity, and other national challenges.
