Heavy security presence was recorded in Abuja on Monday as armed soldiers, armoured vehicles, and operatives from several security agencies cordoned off the Presidential Villa and major roads following protests demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, organized by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore under the #RevolutionNow movement, led to significant traffic disruptions across the city. Security operatives sealed off key access routes to the Three Arms Zone — which houses the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Supreme Court — from as early as 6:00 a.m.
Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro was completely barricaded, with armoured personnel carriers stationed at major entry points. Security officials confirmed that the heightened presence was to prevent protesters from accessing sensitive areas.
Only pedestrians were allowed to pass through the blockades, while motorists, including senior civil servants with Villa entry tags, were redirected to alternative routes. The lockdown caused heavy traffic for thousands of commuters from areas such as Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka.
Reports also indicated similar blockades along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, with internal government memos advising workers to use alternate routes. Security patrols intensified around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly, where riot police and armoured vehicles were stationed to prevent gatherings.
The protesters renewed their demand for the Federal Government to comply with court rulings ordering Kanu’s release. The IPOB leader, who was extradited from Kenya in 2021, remains in the custody of the Department of State Services despite multiple bail rulings. His supporters have repeatedly expressed concern over his health condition.
However, the Federal Government insists that Kanu is facing charges of treasonable felony and terrorism.
Sowore said the demonstration aimed to highlight the government’s “blatant disregard for the rule of law.” Security operatives maintained their posts around the affected areas until late Monday evening.
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