The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of a planned demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday, October 20. The protest, which is being mobilised under the banner of ‘#FreeNnamdiKanuNow,’ is intended to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The Embassy warned that the peaceful demonstration could escalate, leading to violence, roadblocks, and severe traffic congestion around the Central Business District and Eagle Square.
The advisory, released on Friday, strongly urged all American citizens to avoid the affected areas and to “severely limit all movement throughout the city” on the day of the protest. The Embassy also recommended heightened safety measures, including advising children in Abuja to stay home from school and domestic staff who commute from outside the city to remain at home. Furthermore, the US Embassy called on its citizens to avoid crowds, exercise extreme caution if they unexpectedly find themselves near large gatherings, and review their personal security plans.
The planned march was announced by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, who is spearheading the mobilisation for the protest demanding Kanu’s immediate release. Kanu has been in detention for more than four years following his controversial re-arrest and extradition from Kenya by the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Since his return to Nigeria, his trial on charges of treason and other terrorism-related offences has continued to drag on in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The demonstration comes amid sustained pressure from various groups for the Federal Government to secure Kanu’s release, with the protracted legal proceedings fuelling continued public agitation.
