Chaos In Abuja: Heavy Security Locks Down City Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest

According to reports by Ireporter Online, several parts of Abuja were thrown into chaos on Monday morning as massive gridlocks paralyzed movement across the city following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.

The demonstration, which began in the early hours, left thousands of commuters stranded for hours as heavy security presence and road barricades by the police, military, and other security agencies brought traffic to a standstill across major routes including Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Mpape, Dei-Dei, Dutse, Bwari, and Kubwa.

From as early as 7 a.m., long queues of vehicles stretched for kilometres along the Nyanya-Karu axis, with security personnel enforcing movement restrictions toward key locations such as Berger, Wuse, Aso Rock, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Business District. Many motorists were forced to turn back or park by the roadside as officers diverted traffic and intensified patrols around strategic zones like Eagle Square, Shehu Shagari Way, and the National Assembly complex.

The protest, reportedly spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore, was organized to demand the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

It was recalled that last week, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a directive to law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce existing court orders that restrict protests near key government buildings. The Nigeria Police Force, through its spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, reaffirmed that public demonstrations are prohibited around sensitive government installations, including the Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.

Hundeyin emphasized that protesters and counter-groups must avoid restricted zones and express their demands through lawful and peaceful channels.

As of late morning, security operations remained intense across the Central Area and the Three Arms Zone, with armoured vehicles and heavily armed officers stationed at several intersections. Movement within the city centre was still partially restricted, forcing many residents to either return home or trek long distances to their destinations.