Defiant Youths March Across Nigeria in Protest Despite Police Warnings [VIDEO]

 

Youths Storm Nigerian Cities in Defiance, Take-It-Back Movement Leads Protest Wave

In a powerful display of civic defiance and youthful energy, young Nigerians under the banner of the Take-It-Back Movement took to the streets across several states on Monday, staging coordinated demonstrations despite explicit warnings from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

From Lagos to Abuja, Oyo to Rivers, orange-beret-clad demonstrators marched in unison, chanting solidarity songs and waving placards as they called attention to various socio-political grievances, undeterred by the looming presence of law enforcement officers. The movement, which has long been associated with grassroots activism and youth engagement, once again seized the national spotlight with its defiant stand.

In Lagos, the commercial nerve center of the country, protesters gathered beneath the iconic Ikeja Under Bridge — a popular rallying point — before fanning out into adjoining streets. The demonstration was notably peaceful, albeit heavily monitored by a strong police presence. As the young demonstrators marched, they drew the attention of passersby, commuters, and onlookers, many of whom captured the unfolding event on their phones.

This show of defiance followed a firm directive from the Nigeria Police Force advising the group to cancel its planned nationwide protest. The authorities labeled the timing of the march as “ill-conceived and mischievous,” suggesting it was a potential disruption to the recently declared National Police Day celebrations. The police also emphasized concerns about public safety and the risk of the protests being hijacked by criminal elements.

But in a prompt rebuttal, fiery activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore — a leading figure in the Take-It-Back Movement — dismissed the police statement as baseless. Sowore argued that the right to protest is constitutionally protected and that the claim of undermining the police celebration was a diversion from the real issues confronting Nigerians.

“We do not need permission to express our dissatisfaction with the state of the nation,” Sowore stated. “This protest is about Nigeria, about the people, and about their right to be heard — not about the police’s internal festivities.”

In Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, demonstrators also hit the streets in solidarity. Their protest remained peaceful, with security operatives positioned strategically to forestall any breakdown of law and order. The scene in Ibadan mirrored that of Lagos — disciplined ranks of protestors, thematic chants, and a collective call for change.

Though the Take-It-Back Movement’s protests were not pegged to a single demand, they echoed familiar frustrations: economic hardship, insecurity, perceived government high-handedness, and recent political decisions such as the president’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Observers have noted that the movement thrives on its decentralized but passionate support base — often fueled by frustration with the political status quo. With no signs of slowing down, the Take-It-Back Movement continues to assert itself as a persistent voice of dissent in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.

Critics of the movement often highlight its sporadic nature and absence of unified demands, but supporters argue that its strength lies in its ability to galvanize attention and bring national issues to the forefront through peaceful demonstrations.

As Monday’s protests wrapped up without major incidents, the broader implications remain to be seen. For now, what’s clear is that Nigeria’s youth — increasingly politically aware and socially conscious — are far from silent, and the streets remain a powerful arena for their message.