Security operatives on Monday morning fired live bullets to disperse protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Abuja.
The demonstrators, led by Omoyele Sowore — convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) — had gathered as early as 6:50 a.m. near the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to press for Kanu’s immediate release.
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the situation escalated when combined security forces, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Guards Brigade, opened fire with live ammunition, forcing protesters to flee in panic.
Security had been tightened around the Presidential Villa since Sunday, with multiple roadblocks mounted at strategic entry points to key government buildings, including the National Assembly Complex, Court of Appeal Headquarters, Force Headquarters and Eagle Square.
Before the clampdown, the protesters had vowed to march peacefully to the Presidential Villa to demand an end to Kanu’s prolonged detention.
“As the protesters approached the Court of Appeal area, security operatives suddenly opened fire, releasing live bullets from different directions,” a witness said.
Initially, many of the demonstrators believed the police intended to disperse them with tear gas, but panic broke out when it became clear that live rounds were being fired.
In a tense moment before the gunfire, Sowore and other protesters were heard shouting at the security forces: “Don’t teargas us! Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have rights to protest, we’re Nigerians!”
As of the time of filing this report, heavily armed security operatives, including Armoured Personnel Carriers from the Guards Brigade, the police, and the DSS, remained stationed at key locations around the city centre, while protesters had dispersed from the area.
The protest comes amid renewed calls for Kanu’s release following his continued detention despite multiple court orders granting him bail. The situation has heightened tension in the capital, raising fresh concerns over the government’s handling of dissent and civic demonstrations.
