US Embassy in Abuja issues security alert ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, warns Americans to avoid Eagle Square and CBD on October 20.
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of a planned protest scheduled to take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Nigeria’s capital city.
The demonstration, organized under the banner #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw a large crowd to Eagle Square and the Central Business District (CBD) area of Abuja. The protest aims to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since June 2021.
Sowore Announces Date for “Historic” Protest
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, announced the protest date via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on October 9.
In his post, Sowore described the protest as a “historic and peaceful march” to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, aimed at pressing for Kanu’s immediate release.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 a.m.,” Sowore declared.
Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stemming from his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021.
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Embassy Warns of Possible Violence and Disruptions
In a statement published on its official website on Friday, the U.S. Embassy cautioned that while the protest is planned to be peaceful, it could potentially result in roadblocks, traffic congestion, and clashes between protesters and security operatives.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the Embassy warned.
The advisory urged U.S. citizens in Abuja to avoid protest zones, limit movement, and stay indoors during the demonstration. It further advised parents to keep children home from school and domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja not to report to work that day.
The Embassy emphasized that its guidance was purely precautionary, stressing the importance of safety as tensions continue to build ahead of the rally.