Security operatives on Monday dispersed protesters in Abuja who were demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The protesters had earlier taken to the streets around the Maitama area, but their demonstration was interrupted when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The incident caused panic among commuters and traders near the Transcorp Hilton and adjoining streets, as people ran for safety.
Despite the disruption, the protesters, who are made up of civil rights activists and pro-democracy advocates later regrouped at the Utako area to continue their #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow campaign. Their demand centered on the Federal Government’s compliance with the 2022 Court of Appeal judgment, which discharged and acquitted Kanu of the charges against him.
However, armed police officers again moved in on the group at Utako, using tear gas to break up the gathering as demonstrators chanted solidarity songs and waved banners.
In response to the day’s protests, security presence across the Federal Capital Territory has been visibly strengthened. Soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have been deployed to key locations including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone.
At the Berger roundabout, a correspondent observed a heavy deployment of troops, with a gun truck stationed at the scene.
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