ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security warning to American citizens in the Nigerian capital ahead of a planned protest scheduled for Monday, October 20. The demonstration, organized under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to bring large crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District, potentially leading to disruptions.
The protest was announced by activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on October 9 via his X (formerly Twitter) account. Sowore described the planned march as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in custody since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya and is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am,” Sowore stated.
In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the US Embassy cautioned that while the protest organizers have called for peaceful demonstrations, the event may nonetheless lead to traffic congestion, roadblocks, and confrontations between security forces and protestors that could escalate into violence.
“The US Embassy in Abuja informs US citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20th, 2025, in Abuja. There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the advisory read.
The Embassy urged American citizens to avoid the protest areas and limit movement throughout Abuja on the day of the demonstration. It also recommended that children stay home from school and that domestic workers commuting from outside the city refrain from reporting to work to minimize exposure to potential unrest.
“Children in Abuja should stay home from school, and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja should also stay home,” the Embassy advised.
The Embassy further urged US nationals to exercise caution, avoid crowds, and remain vigilant if unexpectedly caught near large gatherings or protests. It reminded Americans to monitor local news outlets, maintain a low profile, and be particularly alert in public venues such as shopping centers, movie theaters, and places of worship.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the statement added.
The US Embassy’s alert comes amid heightened tensions in Nigeria as the government continues to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, a controversial figure whose detention has fueled protests and unrest in parts of the country. Authorities have maintained a heavy security presence in Abuja and other major cities ahead of the planned march.
American citizens in Nigeria are advised to heed the Embassy’s warnings and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
