By Gloria Nosa
The United States Embassy in Abuja has warned American citizens in Nigeria to exercise heightened caution ahead of a planned protest under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, scheduled to hold in the nation’s capital on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The demonstration, announced by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore via X (formerly Twitter), is expected to converge at Eagle Square and stretch toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Sowore described the march as a “historic and peaceful” call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since his extradition from Kenya in 2021 and is currently facing terrorism charges in Abuja.
In a statement posted on its official website Friday, the Embassy cautioned that while the protest organizers have emphasized non-violence, the possibility of roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and clashes with security operatives cannot be ruled out.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20th, 2025. There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent,” the alert read.
As part of its security recommendations, the Embassy advised:
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Avoiding protest areas and large gatherings.
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Minimizing all movement across the city during the demonstration.
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Keeping a low profile in public spaces such as shopping malls, cinemas, and religious centers.
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Ensuring cell phones are fully charged in case of emergency.
The Embassy also urged parents in Abuja to keep children at home and advised households to excuse domestic staff commuting from outside the city on that day.
The alert underscores growing tension in the Federal Capital Territory as the protest date approaches, with authorities expected to deploy heightened security around key landmarks.
