Security forces in Abuja moved to suppress demonstrations on Monday as supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attempted to protest the continued detention of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges before a Federal High Court.
Armed police units were stationed across strategic intersections in the capital, supported by soldiers, water cannon trucks, and armoured vehicles. Witnesses said several protesters who gathered around the city centre were dispersed with volleys of teargas, forcing residents and commuters to take alternate routes.
The protests were organised to demand Kanu’s release and an end to the terrorism trial that his supporters describe as politically motivated.
Kanu, who also holds British citizenship, has remained in custody since 2021 after being re-arrested and extradited to Nigeria.
Although the police had earlier warned against unauthorized gatherings, pro-Biafra sympathizers attempted to march through parts of central Abuja, chanting solidarity songs and calling for Kanu’s freedom.
The swift response by security agencies prevented the demonstration from spreading, but traffic disruption and heightened tension were reported throughout the day.
A senior police source told Investors King that the deployment was a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order.
“We acted on intelligence reports that some groups planned to hold coordinated rallies. The operation was to ensure no breakdown of law and order,” the officer said.
Nnamdi Kanu leads the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a movement seeking the independence of Nigeria’s South-East region, dominated by the Igbo ethnic group.
The federal government has repeatedly labelled IPOB a terrorist organization, citing security concerns and violent clashes linked to secessionist activities in the past.
The movement’s agitation has deep historical roots tracing back to Nigeria’s civil war between 1967 and 1970, during which more than a million people were killed after the former Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra.
Human rights groups have urged authorities to release Kanu or expedite his trial, arguing that prolonged detention without resolution could inflame ethnic tensions. However, government officials maintain that the case must follow due legal process.
As of Monday evening, police patrols remained active across Abuja’s major roads, with no official report of casualties. Businesses gradually reopened, though residents expressed concern over the heavy security presence and the possibility of renewed protests in the coming days.
