A protest calling for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, sparked a massive security lockdown around the Presidential Villa and other parts of Abuja early Monday.
Findings showed that the demonstration was led by #RevolutionNow convener and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The situation caused severe traffic disruption at major entry points into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as security personnel mounted barricades on key roads leading into the city.
Access to the Three Arms Zone, which houses the seat of government, was heavily restricted, with combined teams of soldiers, police, and masked Department of State Services (DSS) operatives enforcing strict stop-and-search checks.
Presidential Villa workers struggled to gain access, as even those with valid parking permits were turned back and redirected to alternative parking areas outside the complex.
A confused staff member wrote on social media: “Please, can someone find out what is going on in the Villa? All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.”
The effects of the heightened security extended far beyond the Villa.
Commuters along the Keffi-Abuja expressway were stranded for hours after soldiers barricaded the Karu Bridge near Sani Abacha Barracks around 4 a.m., stopping vehicles for intense inspections.
Civil servants and traders from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka were most affected by the resulting gridlock.
Similar incidents were reported on the Dutse-Bwari and Airport Road routes.
Motorists coming from the airport axis were diverted at the National Mosque, where security forces blocked access to the Central Business District.
A message circulated among workers read: “Good morning, dear colleagues, please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from the National Mosque.”
Security forces also sealed off several routes leading to the Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, and National Assembly, maintaining heavy presence to prevent unrest.
Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in detention despite multiple court rulings ordering his release. His supporters have continued to demand his freedom, citing deteriorating health conditions
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