The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert to its citizens ahead of a planned protest scheduled to hold on Monday, October 20, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The demonstration, organised under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw large crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
The planned protest was announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on October 9 via his X (formerly Twitter) account. Sowore described the rally as a “historic” and peaceful march toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has been in custody since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement posted on its website Friday, the US Embassy warned that the protest could cause significant disruptions and possibly turn violent. It advised American citizens to avoid protest areas, limit movement across the city, and remain vigilant.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read in part.
The Embassy further advised residents to review their personal security plans, keep phones charged, and avoid large gatherings or crowded locations such as shopping centres, cinemas, and places of worship.
For added safety, it recommended that children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who commute from outside the city should not report to work on the protest day.
“Americans in Nigeria are urged to maintain a low profile, monitor local news, and exercise heightened caution,” the Embassy added.