Heavy security presence enveloped the Presidential Villa and major routes across Abuja on Monday amid plans for a protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, organized by rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, led to traffic disruptions at key entry points into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security agencies — including soldiers, police officers, and hooded operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) — were deployed in large numbers, sealing off access to the Three Arms Zone and intensifying stop-and-search operations across strategic routes.
Even staff members of the Presidential Villa with valid parking permits were redirected to alternative routes as all entry points around the State House were temporarily closed.
A staff member of the Villa expressed frustration on social media, writing:
“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 heightened security caused severe gridlock along the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, with soldiers mounting checkpoints at the Karu Bridge near the Sani Abacha Barracks as early as 4 a.m. Civil servants and traders commuting from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka were among those most affected.
Similar security cordons were reported along the Dutse–Bwari axis and Airport Road, where travelers heading toward the Central Business District were advised to take alternative routes. One advisory circulated among federal workers read:
“Good morning, dear colleagues. Please, if you are coming from Airport Road to Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.”
Security patrols were also visible around Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly to forestall possible disruptions.
Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021, remains in detention despite multiple court orders granting his release. His supporters have continued to pressure the Federal Government, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.
