Ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, 2025, the #TakeItBack Movement has confirmed plans to stage protests in at least 20 states, targeting the worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and what it describes as shrinking democratic freedoms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The group announced multiple rally points nationwide, urging citizens to join in peaceful demonstrations to demand accountability and good governance.
“Our demands remain consistent. June 12 represents an opportunity for Nigerians to peacefully demand good governance and accountability,” said Juwon Sanyaolu, the movement’s national coordinator.
“The constitution clearly states that the welfare and security of the people are the primary duties of government, duties which this administration has failed to fulfill.”
He added that protesters will converge in Abuja at Eagle Square from 8:00 am, while in Lagos, rallies will begin by 7:00 am at four points: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate.
Protest Locations Nationwide:
Akure, Ondo State: Cathedral Junction (8:00 am)
Benin City, Edo State: Museum Ground (9:00 am)
Niger State: Gida Matasa (8:00 am)
Yobe State: Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout in Damaturu (7:30 am)
Oyo State: Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan (8:00 am)
Osun State: Olaiya Junction, Osogbo
Delta State: Locations include Amukpe Roundabout (Sapele), Summit Junction and Koka Junction (Asaba), Otovwodo Junction (Ughelli), PTI Junction, Effurun, DSC Roundabouts (Warri), and Police Station Junction (Abraka)
Adamawa State: Juppu Jam Road, Yola (8:00 a.m.)
Borno State: Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover (8:00 a.m.)
Sanyaolu highlighted the human cost of insecurity:
“Over 133 million citizens are living in multidimensional poverty. Many have been forced out of their homes due to insecurity and forced evictions.”
“In Benue alone, more than 40,000 people are displaced. Plateau State has over 68,000 displaced residents. This reflects the state of national welfare and security.”
The Police Commands in Lagos, Ogun, and Niger States have ramped up preparations to prevent any disruption of public order.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police Adegoke Fayoade stated, “The Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun States respectively know what to do.”
“However, I have directed that specific attention should be directed at vulnerable points… We must be proactive in our approach.”
He confirmed increased deployments at key points including Freedom Park in Ojota, Surulere, Alausa, Ikeja, and Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Niger State’s Police Command echoed similar sentiments, with spokesman Wasiu Abiodun assuring the public: “The Command assures of its readiness to ensure public safety.”
In Lagos, traffic management officials have also been mobilized.
“Adequate traffic officials have been posted to direct traffic, particularly around key areas,” said LASTMA’s Public Affairs Director, Adebayo Taofiq.
The planned meeting between the Lagos Police Commissioner and protest organisers was reportedly stalled.
Comrade Hassan Soweto, a protest leader, explained, “We had to leave the command after one hour
