Abuja was on lockdown Monday morning as heavy security presence surrounded the Presidential Villa and major entry routes following a planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protest demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The protest, organized by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, led to major traffic disruptions across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, sealed off roads leading to the Three Arms Zone, intensifying stop-and-search operations.

Even Presidential Villa staff with valid passes were denied entry as the State House gates and adjoining roads were closed. A staff member, expressing frustration on social media, lamented, “All access roads are blocked. Nobody is allowed in, even with tags.”

The situation caused massive gridlock on major highways like the Keffi–Abuja Expressway, where soldiers set up checkpoints near Karu Bridge before dawn. Commuters from Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Masaka were stranded for hours. Similar security blockades were reported along Airport Road, Dutse–Bwari axis, and routes leading to the Central Business District, prompting advisories for workers to use alternative routes.

Patrol teams were stationed around Eagle Square, the National Assembly, and the Federal Secretariat to prevent unrest. Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since his 2021 extradition, remains at the center of renewed agitation from supporters citing concerns about his health and demanding his immediate release.