By Pius Awunah
The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert for American citizens living in Abuja,the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the planned protest next Monday to press for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, organised with the hashtag:#FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is expected to attract protesters at Eagle Square and the Central Business District(CBD),Abuja.
The planned protest spearheaded and announced by activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress(AAC), Omoyele Sowore, on his X (formerly Twitter) account,said it would take place on October 20,2025.
He added that it would be directed towards the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, describing it as a “historic” and peaceful demonstration aimed at securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20,2025, at 7 am, “Sowore stated.
In a statement published on its website on Friday, October 17, 2025, the American Embassy cautioned that the protest could lead to disruptions and potential violence.
It advised US citizens to steer clear of the protest areas and limit their movement across the city.
“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 protesters that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
“The Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to avoid these areas and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read in part.
The Embassy urged American citizens to keep their school children at home that day and that domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja should not report for work on that day.
“Americans in Nigeria are being urged to take heightened security precautions.
“They should avoid areas where protests would take place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the advisory stated.
It called on its citizens to monitor local news, keep a low profile, and be alert in public places such as shopping centres, movie theatres, and places of worship.
Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in custody since June 2021 following his extradition from Kenya.
