Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters at protesters, including human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who had gathered in Abuja to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The protest, tagged #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was scheduled to kick off from the Transcorp Hilton area and spread to other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, it was abruptly disrupted as heavily armed police officers moved in early, firing several rounds of tear gas to disperse participants and passersby.
Eyewitnesses told Emmynet24 news media that operatives had cordoned off the hotel and adjoining streets before the main protesters arrived, creating tension in the area. Tear gas was reportedly fired preemptively to prevent crowds from gathering.
“They started shooting tear gas even before many of us arrived. People were just running for safety,” a witness said.
Our correspondent observed a visibly tightened security presence across major parts of the city. Soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) were stationed at key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and access routes leading to Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The protest, organized by civil rights activists and supporters of the detained IPOB leader, was intended to pressure the Federal Government to comply with recent court rulings ordering Kanu’s release.
Neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Department of State Services had issued an official statement on the incident as of press time.
![[BREAKING NEWS]:Nigerians In Trouble As Leaked Documents Reveals Tinubu’s Agreement with Controversial Business Tycoon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39gfKFg8aZ2Pq_eoxzYPY7vQoQB4vJQ5iXjbzlb028e9rhOqJn7LU834VyPOGJO6KMqyY25tdbE8_AbZYrvJ2A-MPe77GnAXXTxKlCpcHy3Xmrpk5voaOwmC_bUYUoWrh8i8Vya7_odsgKRhByqzF7mVi_H-AQTn3iV_Yo1GkZhLibfcuztuBuz3XE4xS/w680/IMG_9371.jpeg)
