The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a stern security alert to its citizens residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of a planned protest scheduled for Monday, October 20. The demonstration, organized under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw large crowds demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, convened by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, is expected to center around Eagle Square and the Central Business District, with a march planned toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Sowore had described the march in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 9 as a “historic” and peaceful event.
In an advisory published on its website on Friday, the U.S. Embassy cautioned that the protest carries the risk of significant disruption:
- Potential Disruptions: “There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent” around the protest areas.
- Movement Restrictions: American citizens were advised to “avoid this area and severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20.”
- School and Staff: The Embassy explicitly recommended that “children in Abuja stay home from school” and that “domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja should stay home as well.”
The Embassy further urged U.S. citizens to “avoid areas where protests are taking place, avoid crowds, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.”
Kanu has been in custody since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya, and is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The advisory concluded by reminding U.S. citizens to “review personal security plans and keep cell phones charged in case of emergency,” and to remain vigilant in public spaces and maintain a low profile during the protest period.
