Commuters and civil servants faced severe delays on Monday morning as soldiers and police officers set up multiple checkpoints and roadblocks across major entry points into Abuja.
The heavy security presence came in response to reports of a planned protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, expected to be led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, resulted in massive traffic congestion on routes leading into the Federal Capital Territory.
As early as 4:00 a.m., military personnel had barricaded the Keffi–Abuja Expressway at Karu Bridge near the Sani Abacha Barracks. Vehicles were subjected to stop-and-search operations, leaving thousands of commuters from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Masaka, and surrounding communities stranded for hours.
Similar scenes were reported on the Dutse–Bwari–City Centre route, where traffic was halted. Motorists approaching the city via Airport Road were redirected at the National Mosque junction, as security operatives blocked access to the Central Area.
An advisory message circulated among workers in Abuja early Monday read: “Good morning, dear colleagues, please, if you are coming from Airport Road to the Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.”
Within the city centre, roads leading to key government locations — including the Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, and National Assembly — were secured by heavily armed personnel. The deployment was understood to be a precautionary measure aimed at preventing disruptions during the planned demonstration.
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in custody since June 2021, following his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria. His continued detention has sparked frequent calls for his release from supporters and rights advocates, who cite legal rulings in his favour and concerns about his health.
