The Nigeria police on Monday fired tear gas at peaceful protesters in the Maitama area of Abuja, as demonstrators took to the streets to demand urgent government action on worsening economic conditions, rising repression, and the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act.

The protest, which was part of a nationwide demonstration organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organizations, coincided with the National Police Day celebrations held at the Eagle Square.

Top police officials were supposed to attend the ceremony recognizing the service of the Nigeria Police Force, but authorities had blocked access to the Three Arms Zone as part of the security precautions for the official event.

Human rights advocate and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among the protesters holding signs that said, “Let Us Breathe” and “Stop the Repression.”

The protest’s goal is to raise awareness of what the organizers said is an increasing trend of authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Juwon Sanyaolu, the Take-It-Back Movement’s national coordinator and mobilization leader, outlined the main concerns driving the demonstration.

These included the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, rising inflation, and widespread insecurity.

There were no verified reports of arrests or injuries at the time this report was filed.