Security forces in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025, forcefully dispersed protesters advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The demonstration, led by activist Omoyele Sowore and joined by Barrister Aloy Ejimakor among others, took place around the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in the Maitama area. Protesters were chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and urging the authorities not to use teargas before gunshots rang out, prompting many to flee for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the protest began in the early hours of the morning, with civil society leaders and members of the public gathering to press for Kanu’s release. Security operatives, comprising both police and military personnel, arrived at the scene around 7:00 AM. They immediately employed teargas and live ammunition to disperse the crowd, catching many protesters off guard and forcing them to retreat from the area.
Several protesters sustained minor injuries, which were treated at nearby medical facilities, though there have been no confirmed fatalities reported at the time of this report. Authorities maintained a heavy security presence in Maitama to prevent further escalation and ensure control of the situation.
The protest underscores the ongoing tension surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and the government’s handling of public demonstrations in Abuja. Civil society leaders have described the dispersal as an excessive use of force, while security agencies insist that they are enforcing court orders limiting demonstrations in certain parts of the city.
This incident comes amid a series of nationwide calls for Kanu’s release, highlighting the persistent friction between the government and groups advocating for his freedom. Analysts note that such confrontations may have broader implications for public safety and civil liberties if protests continue to escalate.
No official statement has yet been issued by the Nigerian government regarding the dispersal, though police sources reiterated that groups planning protests must adhere strictly to court restrictions to prevent public disorder. Observers continue to monitor the area closely as authorities maintain vigilance to avoid further clashes.