Security operatives on Monday unleashed violence on peaceful protesters in Abuja as police fired several rounds of tear gas canisters at human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and dozens of demonstrators demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The incident occurred at Eda Plaza, near the popular Habitat area of the city, where protesters were marching along Jabi Road. Several people reportedly fainted, while many others sustained injuries as the air became thick with choking smoke from the tear gas.
The protesters, who carried placards with inscriptions such as “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now” and “Obey Court Orders,” were chanting solidarity songs when they were suddenly ambushed by a combined team of uniformed and plainclothes operatives. The police fired multiple rounds of tear gas, forcing the crowd to disperse in panic.
Moments later, another detachment of armed officers reportedly stormed the Jabi Building Materials Market, ordering traders to close their shops immediately. Witnesses said many of the traders and customers were caught in the tear gas attack, leading to widespread panic and confusion in the busy commercial area.
Earlier in the day, heavily armed police personnel had fired tear gas canisters in the Maitama district, dispersing passersby and commuters even before the protesters arrived at the designated convergence point. Witnesses said the police acted without provocation or warning.
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“There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters. “Everyone started running — even roadside traders and taxi drivers. The whole area was in chaos.”
Security forces, including soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), later took control of strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory, sealing off the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The heavy security deployment came after the Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday, issued a warning to organisers of the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest to stay clear of restricted areas and avoid any breach of peace.
Despite the warning, organisers led by Sowore and several pro-democracy groups vowed to proceed with the demonstration, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of showing “gross contempt for the rule of law” and disobeying valid court orders on Kanu’s release.
