The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has expressed strong reservations over a planned protest by the “Take It Back Movement,” scheduled to take place across various states, including the Federal Capital Territory, on Monday. 

The police said is a day set aside by the federal government to mark National Police Day.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police acknowledged the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful protest but criticized the timing of the planned demonstrations, describing it as “ill-timed” and “mischievous.”

The police warned that the protest coinciding with National Police Day, a day meant to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of police personnel nationwide, raises concerns about the motive behind the demonstration. 

According to the police, the event will host high-profile dignitaries from within and outside the country, including foreign Inspector-Generals of Police and diplomats.

Adejobi said: “This glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life… the rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole”.