THE United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to its citizens ahead of the planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled to take place on Monday, October 20, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protest, announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, is expected to draw significant crowds to Eagle Square and the Central Business District, with possible movements toward the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Sowore, who revealed the protest date via his X (formerly Twitter) account on October 9, described the planned demonstration as a “historic and peaceful march” aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 a.m.,” Sowore announced.
In a statement released on its official website on Friday seen by News Point Nigeria, the U.S. Embassy cautioned that the protest could cause road closures, traffic gridlocks, and potential confrontations between protesters and security forces.
“The U.S. Embassy in Abuja informs U.S. citizens that the Free Nnamdi Kanu Now protest has called for peaceful demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Abuja,” the Embassy said.
“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 advised American citizens in Nigeria to avoid protest areas, limit movement throughout the city, and exercise maximum caution during the demonstration.
As part of its precautionary measures, the Embassy urged American parents in Abuja to keep their children home from school and advised that domestic staff who commute from outside the city should not report to work on the protest 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,” the advisory read.
The statement further directed U.S. nationals to:
Avoid large gatherings and protest routes.
Maintain a low profile and stay alert in public spaces such as malls, cinemas, and places of worship.
Monitor local news channels for updates.
Keep personal communication devices fully charged for emergencies.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the Embassy warned.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.”
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, has been in custody since June 2021, following his controversial extradition from Kenya. He currently faces terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.