The US Embassy in Abuja has warned its citizens to stay cautious ahead of Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
It said the planned march could cause traffic disruptions and possible clashes in the city.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has warned American citizens to be cautious ahead of a planned protest scheduled for Monday in the Federal Capital Territory.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to take place around Eagle Square and the Central Business District. It was announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on October 9 through his X account.
Sowore said the march would hold on October 20 at 7 a.m., describing it as a peaceful and historic demonstration aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has been in detention since June 2021 after his extradition from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement released on its website on Friday, the US Embassy cautioned that the planned protest could cause movement restrictions, traffic disruptions, or even violence. It advised Americans to stay away from the protest areas and limit movement across the city.
According to the Embassy, “There may be roadblocks, heavy traffic, and confrontations between police and protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.”
It further advised US citizens to avoid these locations and reduce movement within Abuja throughout the day of the protest.
The Embassy also suggested that children remain at home and that domestic staff coming from outside the city should not report to work for safety reasons.
Americans living in Nigeria were urged to take extra precautions, avoid crowds, and remain alert in public areas such as shopping centres, cinemas, and worship places.
The advisory also encouraged US citizens to monitor local news updates, keep their phones fully charged, and review their personal safety plans in case of emergencies.
