By Christopher Oji and Lukman Olabiyi
A significant security deployment was observed in Lagos yesterday morning as protesters began assembling at key locations to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Armed police, including officers from the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, were stationed around Ikeja Underbridge and Ojota, where demonstrators had started to gather in large numbers.
The protest, organized by various civil society organizations and pro-democracy activists, aimed to highlight growing public dissatisfaction with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The demonstrators were calling attention to what they described as worsening economic conditions and rising insecurity that have plagued the nation in recent months.
June 12, now officially recognized as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, marks the anniversary of the annulled 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history.
Over the years, the date has come to symbolize the struggle for democratic governance and civil liberties in Nigeria.
Protesters, many waving placards and chanting slogans, demanded urgent government action to address the high cost of living, unemployment and persistent security challenges, including kidnappings and violent attacks across different regions of the country.
Despite the peaceful nature of the gatherings, the heavy security presence indicated government’s preparedness for any potential unrest. Police patrol vehicles, anti-riot officers and surveillance teams were strategically positioned to monitor the situation.
Protesters said the demonstration was a necessary civic response to what they described as “deepening hardship and the erosion of democratic values” under the current administration.
As of mid-morning, the protest remained largely peaceful, with no reported incidents of violence or confrontation between demonstrators and law enforcement.
However, traffic disruptions were reported around the protest hotspots, particularly in Ikeja, with commuters advised to seek alternative routes.
It was gathered that, in a bid to ensure public safety and order during the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations, Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, met with the leadership of 15 civil society organizations (CSOs) on Tuesday, June 11, 2025. The meeting, held at the Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja, focused on maintaining peace during the commemorative events and the proposed protest.
The dialogue was described as interactive and constructive, with the police and CSO representatives affirming a shared commitment to public safety. While half of the CSOs confirmed they would join in nationwide celebrations, the other half indicated plans to stage a peaceful protest. All protest groups agreed to gather at Ikeja Underbridge and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, the only location authorized for protest activities on June 12.
CP Jimoh emphasized the importance of preserving law and order throughout the day’s events and cautioned against disruption of public peace. The CSOs pledged to ensure that their members conduct themselves responsibly and prevent any attempts by other actors to hijack the protest for unlawful purposes.
Participants also agreed to uphold traffic regulations and avoid actions that could obstruct the movement of other residents or disrupt the general atmosphere of celebration. The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to providing security for both celebrants and protesters across the state.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various rights and advocacy groups, including Access to Advocacy & Rights of People, Center for Indigene Government Group, Ideal Society Advocacy Groups, Human Right Monitor, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Beko Ransome Kuti group, Rights Kline, Community Development Group, and Initiatives for Development and Advocacy, among others.
CSO leaders assured the commissioner that they would communicate the resolutions of the meeting to other civil society groups not present, to ensure broad compliance and coordination.
The Lagos State Police Command called on all residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and vigilant during the celebrations. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. Emergency lines 08063299264 and 08065154338 will remain active throughout the period.
The Command expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the CSOs and urged Lagosians to commemorate Democracy Day without fear or disruption.