The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens in Nigeria ahead of the demonstration planned for Monday, October 20.
The protest, tagged “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now, is expected to take place around Eagle Square and the Central Business District (CBD).
In an advisory posted on its official website on Friday, the Embassy warned that the activity could cause significant movement restrictions and possible clashes between protesters and security agencies.
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It cautioned American citizens to avoid the protest areas and limit all non-essential movement within the city on the day of the march.
“There may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District,” the statement read.
“The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid these areas and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20.”
The protest is being organised by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
According to Sowore, the demonstration will be peaceful and aimed at demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The U.S. Embassy further advised residents and expatriates to take extra precautions, monitor local media for updates, and avoid large gatherings or areas where protests are taking place.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the advisory stated.
The Embassy also recommended that parents keep children at home and that domestic staff commuting from outside Abuja should 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.
American citizens were urged to review their personal security plans, remain vigilant in public places such as shopping centres, cinemas, and places of worship, and keep communication devices fully charged for emergency use.
