The United States government, through its embassy in Abuja, has issued a security alert to Americans in Nigeria ahead of the planned October 20 protest to demand the release of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
It called on all Americans in Nigeria to take heightened security precautions.
The statement warned that the protest may lead to confrontations between the Police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District of Abuja.
The embassy, in the statement published on its website on Friday, therefore warned Americans in the country to avoid the mentioned areas and limit movements within Abuja on the day of 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.
“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 advises all U.S. citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th,” the statement read in part.
ThemomentNG reports that the planned protest is spearheaded by former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, who said he would lead a peaceful protest to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on October 20 to demand Kanu’s unconditional release.
The American embassy, in its reaction, further recommended that children stay home from school and domestic staff who commute from outside Abuja not report to work on the day of the planned protest.
“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.
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 by the federal government of Nigeria.
