This directive follows public outcry against the IGP’s initial request for the names and details of intending protesters as a condition for police protection, which many Nigerians swiftly rejected. The police later clarified that the request was a standard procedure to guarantee the safety of participants and prevent illegal activities.

In a letter dated July 29, 2024, addressed to human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the IGP confirmed the directive, stating that the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) overseeing Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands nationwide had been instructed to comply.

The response, signed by Principal Staff Officer CP Johnson Adenola, also invited Adegboruwa to a meeting in Abuja on July 30, 2024, for further discussions.

Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), had requested police protection for the protest on behalf of the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organizing the demonstration. The protest, aimed at addressing economic hardship and rising inflation, has gained significant support on social media.

Despite warnings from the police, military, and the Department of State Service against a Kenya-styled protest, and appeals from politicians to cancel the event, many young Nigerians remain determined to proceed with the rally. The protest is expected to take place across all states of the Federation, including the nation’s capital.