Security operatives have fired live bullets to disperse protesters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja on Monday.
The protesters, led by human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, had converged around the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in the Central Area district as early as 6:50 a.m. under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement.
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However, the peaceful rally turned tense after combined forces from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), Guards Brigade, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) moved in and dispersed the crowd using live ammunition.
Massive Gridlock as Abuja Locks Down Over Protest
Since Sunday evening, security had been beefed up across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with roadblocks mounted around sensitive national institutions, including the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, Court of Appeal Headquarters, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
The tightened security led to severe traffic congestion across the city, paralysing movement into and within Abuja. Motorists and commuters from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Masaka, Jikwoyi, Karshi, and Orozo corridors were trapped in gridlock for several hours, with many spending over three hours at a standstill.
Similar scenes were reported along Dei-Dei, Mpape, Dutse, and Kubwa roads, where additional checkpoints caused further delays. Commuters, civil servants, and school children were left stranded, while commercial transport operators suspended movement due to blocked routes.
Residents Condemn “Collective Punishment”
Angry residents described the lockdown as an act of “collective punishment” against innocent citizens who had no link to the protest.
At the Nasarawa–Nyanya boundary checkpoint, parents and workers voiced frustration over being trapped for hours.
Mr. Ebenezer Ulomi, a civil servant, told reporters he was forced to abandon his car and use a motorcycle to get his children to school.
“If people want to go to the Villa, why should it affect those of us in the outskirts? This is punishment, and God is watching,” he lamented.
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Another commuter, Mrs. Akinola Oluwatosin, decried the indiscriminate nature of the security measures.
“I left home at 5:30 a.m., but I haven’t made any progress. They know where the protesters are—why not go after them instead of crippling the entire city?” she asked.
Pregnant Woman, Students, Civil Servants Stranded
The lockdown also affected medical patients and students trying to reach schools within the city.
A pregnant woman, Mrs. Aishat Abdul, said she was unable to reach her clinic in Asokoro.
“Even motorcycles are trapped. I can’t move forward or backward,” she said in distress.
Malam Usman Bako, a staff member of the Ministry of Agriculture, criticized the government’s handling of the protest.
“This is not the way to secure a city—it’s the way to frustrate its people,” he said after abandoning his vehicle along the Karu–Nyanya route.
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A student of Government Secondary School, Karu, 14-year-old Mariam Adamu, said she had been in traffic since 6:00 a.m.
“I’m tired and hungry. My school gate will close soon. I don’t even know if I’ll get there today,” she said tearfully.
Protesters Demand Nnamdi Kanu’s Immediate Release
The demonstration, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was part of a renewed campaign calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The organizers, including Sowore and other pro-democracy activists, had announced plans to march to the Presidential Villa to press their demand. Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite several court rulings ordering his release.
Security Remains Tight Across Abuja
As of the time of filing this report, a heavy security presence persisted across major entry points into Abuja, while movement within the city centre remained restricted.
There has been no official statement yet from the Nigeria Police Force or the Presidency on the use of live ammunition or the number of protesters arrested.
