A major traffic crisis hit the Kugbo–Nyanya Expressway on Monday morning as commuters heading into Abuja were trapped for hours following a buildup of vehicles and security presence ahead of a planned protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The usually busy Abuja–Keffi highway turned chaotic as both commercial and private motorists struggled to navigate through multiple lanes blocked by parked vehicles, police patrol vans, and barricades reportedly set up by security operatives to contain possible unrest. Witnesses said traffic stretched from Kugbo through Nyanya, forcing many workers and traders to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances toward the city centre.
Some commuters described the gridlock as one of the worst in recent months. “I’ve been stuck here for almost two hours without moving an inch,” said Ifeanyi, a commercial driver heading to Wuse. “Security officers are checking vehicles one by one because of the protest. It’s affecting everyone.”
The planned protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to draw supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and human rights activists to various parts of the Federal Capital Territory. Sources said security agencies had been on high alert since the weekend, following intelligence that some groups were mobilizing to occupy major entry routes into Abuja.
Armed personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were sighted along the corridor early Monday, conducting searches and attempting to divert vehicles through alternative routes. By mid-morning, tension had begun to rise as motorists grew frustrated over the prolonged delay, while local traders along the roadside reported a decline in patronage due to the traffic lock.
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The Kugbo–Nyanya axis, a vital gateway connecting Nasarawa State to the Federal Capital Territory, has long been prone to traffic disruptions triggered by protests, military checkpoints, or accidents. Monday’s situation appeared worsened by heightened security checks and fears of possible clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
Officials have yet to issue a formal statement on the protest or the extent of the gridlock, but sources at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) confirmed that an emergency traffic control plan was being implemented to ease congestion and prevent a total shutdown of movement into the city.
Residents and commuters are advised to seek alternative routes or delay travel plans until normalcy returns along the Abuja–Keffi corridor.
