The United States has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria ahead of a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest expected to take place on Monday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the US Embassy in Nigeria warned that the planned protest could result in disruptions and possible outbreaks of 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 statement read.
The ICIR reports that the protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was announced by activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on his X handle on October 9. It is expected to draw crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
Sowore announced that the protest would hold on October 20 at 7 am, and protesters would march toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. He described it as a ‘historic’ and peaceful rally demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In its latest advisory, the US Embassy urged American citizens to avoid areas where the protest may occur and to restrict their movement within the city.
“The Embassy advises all US citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement stated.
The Embassy also advised that children remain at home from school and that domestic staff commuting from outside Abuja should not report to work on that day.
It also warned Americans in Nigeria to take heightened security precautions.
The Embassy further urged US citizens to stay updated through local news, maintain a low profile, and remain vigilant in public spaces, including shopping malls, cinemas, and places of worship.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the embassy urged.
The ICIR reported that Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 following his controversial extradition from Kenya.
His trial had been marked by repeated adjournments, judicial recusals, and controversies surrounding his detention conditions. In 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him, ruling that his rendition from Kenya violated international law. However, the Supreme Court later ordered the resumption of his trial in 2023.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.