A heavy security deployment on Thursday prevented protesters from gaining access to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as personnel from the military, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps barricaded major roads leading to the Three Arms Zone.
The security operation extended beyond the National Assembly, affecting access to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Movement was restricted along key routes, including roads linking NEXIM Bank, the Federal Secretariat, Bullet House and areas around the Police Headquarters.
The lockdown reportedly commenced around 7 a.m., leading to severe traffic congestion across parts of Abuja. Many civil servants and other workers heading to the Federal Secretariat and National Assembly were forced to walk considerable distances after security operatives restricted vehicular movement.
Only a limited number of vehicles were permitted into the National Assembly Complex as security agencies maintained tight control over entry points and surrounding roads.
The deployment followed plans by the Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society group led by activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, to stage protests over rising insecurity across the country.
The protesters had also demanded urgent action to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. However, security personnel prevented demonstrators from reaching the National Assembly Complex by maintaining a strong perimeter around the Three Arms Zone.
As of the time of the report, protesters remained unable to access the area due to the extensive security blockade.
