Security Forces Block Major Roads In Abuja As #FreeNnamdiKanu Protest Sparks Gridlock

Heavy security presence took over key roads in Abuja on Monday as soldiers and police officers mounted barricades and checkpoints in anticipation of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest.

Gatekeepers News reports that the demonstration which was organised by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and presidential candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), sought the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The security operation, which began as early as 4:00 a.m., caused massive traffic congestion and left commuters and government workers stranded for hours on their way into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Military personnel blocked the Keffi–Abuja Expressway at Karu Bridge near the Sani Abacha Barracks, where they carried out thorough stop-and-search exercises on vehicles entering the city. Thousands of passengers traveling from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka were delayed as a result.

Similar scenes played out along Dutse–Bwari–City Centre route, while motorists using Airport Road were diverted at the National Mosque after security operatives sealed off access to the Central Area.

An early-morning message circulated among civil servants warned, “Good morning, dear colleagues, please, if you are coming from Airport Road to the Central Area, follow Area 1. Security blocked from National Mosque.”

Armed security personnel were also stationed around major government facilities, including Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the National Assembly complex.

According to sources, the deployment was a precautionary move to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the demonstration.