The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of a planned protest scheduled to take place in Abuja on Monday, October 20, in support of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The advisory, posted on the Embassy’s official website, urged American nationals to stay away from protest sites, particularly areas around Eagle Square and the Central Business District, which are expected to witness significant movement disruptions and possible clashes between demonstrators and security operatives.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was announced earlier this month by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who described the action as a peaceful march demanding the immediate release of Kanu.
Sowore said demonstrators would converge and move toward the Presidential Villa.
In the alert, the Embassy acknowledged the protest’s stated intention to remain peaceful but expressed concern about potential flashpoints that could escalate into unrest.
It warned of anticipated road closures, heavy traffic, and possible confrontations, advising Americans to minimize non-essential movement on the day of the protest.
As a precaution, the Embassy advised residents to keep children home from school and recommended that domestic staff who commute from outside the city should also stay home.
“We urge U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution and avoid large gatherings, which can quickly turn unpredictable,” the alert emphasised, calling for vigilance and personal security awareness throughout the day.
Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested under controversial circumstances in Kenya in 2021 and returned to Nigeria, has remained in detention while facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His continued incarceration has fueled both domestic and international calls for his release, with civil society groups divided on the potential security implications.
While Sowore and other campaigners maintain that Kanu’s release is a matter of justice and human rights, other groups have argued that the IPOB leader’s freedom could exacerbate existing tensions in the Southeast, where violent attacks have persisted in recent years.
Just days ago, a counter-protest was held by citizens opposing Kanu’s release, citing worsening insecurity and economic disruptions linked to secessionist agitation.
The U.S. Embassy’s advisory encouraged American nationals to follow local news updates, maintain a low profile, and avoid unnecessary exposure to risk during the protest.
Security agencies in the capital are reportedly on high alert, preparing crowd control measures and security deployments in anticipation of the demonstration.
With tensions simmering, the protest is expected to test the resilience of security operatives and the patience of a city already grappling with political and economic uncertainty.
