As anticipation builds for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration scheduled for Monday, October 20, in Abuja, the United States Embassy has issued a security advisory urging American citizens to exercise extreme caution.
In a notice released on its official website Friday, the Embassy raised concerns about possible disruptions and safety risks tied to the planned protest.
“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,” the statement said.
The advisory specifically highlighted the areas around Eagle Square and the Central Business District as potential flashpoints, warning that “there may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent.”
Americans living in or visiting Abuja were advised to avoid protest zones entirely and limit their movement across the city on the day of the demonstration.
In addition, the Embassy urged parents to keep children home from school and recommended that domestic workers commuting from outside the city stay back for their safety.
“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.
The Embassy also emphasized the need for all U.S. citizens in Nigeria to adopt heightened personal security measures.
The protest, spearheaded by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, was announced via his X (formerly Twitter) account on October 9. Sowore described the protest as “historic” and peaceful, aimed at pressuring the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu has remained in detention since June 2021, following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya. He currently faces terrorism-related charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
