Security operatives on Monday fired multiple rounds of tear gas canisters to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja.

The protest, led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, went ahead despite a court order and a police warning against any demonstration in the Federal Capital Territory.

Chanting slogans such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” the protesters gathered at several locations across the city before being forcefully dispersed by security personnel using tear gas. Some demonstrators were heard shouting, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” even as they retreated from the affected areas.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally reportedly began near the Transcorp Hilton and later spread to other parts of Abuja. Security operatives had taken strategic positions along major routes leading to Aso Rock, firing tear gas to disperse both protesters and onlookers.

A heavy security presence was observed around Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone, with barricades blocking access to the Federal Secretariat and adjoining areas. Entry to Unity Fountain — the rally’s designated take-off point — was completely restricted, as heavily armed officers turned back motorists and pedestrians. The area remained inaccessible for most of the day.

In a separate incident, a combined team of soldiers and police fired tear gas at a crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in the Utako area. Although the group was reportedly not part of the protest, they quickly dispersed when security operatives approached.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Alloy Ejimakor, a member of Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, Kanu’s brother, and a few others may have been arrested in connection with the protest. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged arrests.

LAGOS EYE NEWS gathered that the protest also caused a major traffic gridlock along the busy Kugbo-Nyanya stretch of the Abuja-Keffi highway, as commuter traffic merged with protest-related activity.

Motorists heading into the FCT from the Kugbo/Nyanya axis reported slow movement, with several lanes blocked by parked vehicles and the presence of security operatives.

The corridor has historically been prone to disruptions during major protests and security operations, often resulting in prolonged traffic delays and heightened tension in the area.