Parts of the Federal Capital Territory were thrown into chaos on Monday morning as security operatives mounted several roadblocks to forestall a planned protest by activists demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Many commuters heading to work were stranded for hours in gridlocks caused by the heavy security presence, particularly along the Abuja–Keffi Road, which was completely barricaded as early as 5 a.m. Access routes leading to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone — which houses the National Assembly and the Supreme Court — were also shut down, leaving hundreds of motorists and civil servants frustrated.
Eyewitnesses said security agents were diverting traffic and using teargas to disperse crowds attempting to approach the city centre. Similar lockdowns were reported around the Dutse axis, where commuters from the Bwari area were blocked from connecting to the busy Kubwa Expressway.
There was a heavy presence of both police and military personnel across major entry points into the city, as authorities sought to prevent the planned demonstration under the banner of #FreeNnamdiKanu.
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