By Laraba MUREY
The United States Mission in Nigeria has warned Americans in Abuja to plan their movement ahead of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests slated for Monday, October 20 in Nigeria’s capital as there was potential of violence.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, the Embassy cautioned that the protest could lead to disruptions.
There have been divergent opinions about the protest for the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as championed by Omoyele Sowore.
One of the opposing groups, the Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum, NNYLF, has rejected the planned protest demanding the release of detained Kanu.
The group said the planned protest in Abuja is a “desperate move” by politicians who are disconnected from the realities facing Nigerian youths.
The embassy advised US citizens to steer clear of the protest areas and limit their movement across the city.
“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 Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read in part.
The embassy recommended that children stay home from school and that domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja not report to work on that day.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well,” it added.
It also called on all Americans in Nigeria to take heightened security precautions.
Sowore stated that the protest would take place on October 20 and be directed toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
He described it as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.
Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya.
