The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to American citizens in Nigeria, urging them to exercise heightened caution ahead of a planned protest demanding the release of detained separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The demonstration, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is slated for Monday, October 20, and is expected to take place around Eagle Square and the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In the alert released Friday, the Embassy cautioned that the protest—announced by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) founder Omoyele Sowore—could result in heavy traffic congestion, increased police deployment, and possible clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
“The Embassy advises US citizens to avoid the protest areas, remain vigilant, and monitor local media for updates,” the statement read.
“Americans should limit non-essential movement, maintain a low profile, and keep communication devices fully charged.”
The advisory also recommended that parents keep their children at home during the protest and that employers allow domestic or support staff traveling from outside the city to remain home for safety reasons.
Sowore, in a statement shared on social media, described the planned protest as a “peaceful and historic march” aimed at drawing attention to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has been in custody since his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021, facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply fully with the directives.
Authorities are expected to deploy security operatives across strategic locations in the capital to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The planned protest has drawn mixed reactions from the public, with human rights advocates backing the call for Kanu’s freedom, while security experts warn that any unrest could heighten existing political and ethnic tensions.
As of press time, police authorities had not issued an official statement on the planned protest, though sources within the FCT Command said contingency measures were already in place to ensure public safety.
