The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert advising its citizens to limit movement in the Nigerian capital ahead of a major protest planned for Monday.
The demonstration, organised under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is demanding the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The Embassy cautioned that the protest, planned for areas around Eagle Square and the Central Business District, could lead to roadblocks, traffic congestion, and potential violence between police and demonstrators.
Activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore announced the protest date, stating that the march would be a “historic” and peaceful demonstration directed towards the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Security Advice for Americans
The security advisory, published on the Embassy’s website on Friday, strongly recommended that US citizens avoid the protest areas and “severely limit all movement” across the city on Monday, October 20.
The guidance further suggested that children in Abuja stay home from school for the day and that domestic staff who commute from outside the capital should also remain home.
Americans in Nigeria were urged to exercise heightened security precautions, including:
- Avoiding areas where protests are taking place.
- Monitoring local news for updates.
- Reviewing personal security plans.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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