Security operatives in Abuja on Monday successfully foiled a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which aimed to pressure the Federal Government into releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The demonstration, convened by rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, was intended to march toward the Presidential Villa and the National Assembly, but was met with a stringent security response.

From as early as 5 a.m. on Monday, Abuja, the nation’s capital, began to wear an eerie look as security forces mounted extensive roadblocks on major entry routes, including the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Airport Road, and Dutse-Bwari Road. Access to key government areas like the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone was completely blocked. Armed policemen and soldiers established barricades at all major routes leading to the Presidential Villa and Central Area, effectively preventing demonstrators from advancing beyond the Maitama and Transcorp Hilton axis. The protest initially gathered around Transcorp Hilton in Maitama before security agents moved in decisively, firing live bullets and teargas canisters to disperse the crowd. Protesters attempting to regroup around Utako and Aso Mechanic Village were swiftly dispersed again by armed officers.

The crackdown led to several arrests, including prominent individuals associated with the cause. Among those apprehended were Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. Ejimakor confirmed his arrest via a social media post, stating, “We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID.” Sowore, the protest convener, also accused the police of brutality and unlawful detention, demanding the immediate release of those arrested. Additionally, two journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP), identified as Nick Roll (an American) and John Okunyomih (a Nigerian videographer), were arrested while covering the events near the Transcorp hotel. Their camera was damaged, phones seized, and teargas protection allegedly yanked off during the confrontation. Roll was later released, while Okunyomih was taken to the FCT command criminal investigation department (CID) before also being let go.

The police had earlier issued warnings against demonstrations near key government buildings, citing a Federal High Court order that designated certain areas as no-protest zones. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin clarified that these restricted zones included Aso Rock, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way, emphasizing that while citizens could express opinions peacefully, it was not permitted in these court-designated areas.

The security actions caused widespread panic across the city, forcing workers, commuters, and shop owners to scamper for safety. Business owners and traders in Utako District, in particular, were thrown into chaos as teargas and gunshots permeated several plazas. Shops, offices, and business outlets were hurriedly shut, and the air became thick with teargas, affecting even bystanders and causing minor injuries to some traders and passersby. Many business owners remained indoors or stayed away entirely, describing the situation as terrifying and disruptive to their daily activities.

As of 11:00 am, Abuja, which had been under a near-lockdown, began to calm down, though a heavy security presence remained visible around the Central Business District and other areas. Despite the intense security, a handful of defiant protesters were still gathered around the Apo Mechanic area, chanting and waving placards. A female protester appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and order Kanu’s release, arguing that their protest was not against the government but against “Southeast leaders who are delaying his release.” Nnamdi Kanu remains in DSS custody, continuing his trial on terrorism-related charges.