Police Disrupt Pro-Nnamdi Kanu Protesters with Teargas,Live Ammunition
Nigerian security operatives on Monday forcefully dispersed demonstrators in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who were demanding the release of detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The security forces fired teargas and reportedly used live ammunition to break up the protests.
Armed police officers and soldiers sealed off major roads in central Abuja, deploying armoured vehicles and water cannons to prevent protesters from converging on key government areas.
The protesters, who were calling for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), fled the protest site after combined security forces allegedly fired live rounds in addition to launching teargas.
The demonstration was led by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). Protesters had begun gathering as early as 6:50 a.m. near the Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
According to Daily Trust, the security deployment included personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, the Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). These forces had increased their presence around the Presidential Villa beginning on Sunday.
Checkpoints were set up at strategic locations leading to the Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, the Court of Appeal headquarters, Force Headquarters, and Eagle Square.
Prior to the escalation, protesters had vowed to march to the Presidential Villa to demand Kanu’s release. However, as the group led by Sowore approached the Court of Appeal, security operatives began firing into the air.
Initially, protesters believed the police intended only to deploy teargas canisters. However, they were soon forced to flee when live bullets were fired from multiple directions.
During the tense standoff, Sowore and several other protesters could be heard shouting at officers: “Don’t teargas us! Don’t teargas us! Respect the rule of law! We have the right to protest, we are Nigerians!”
The crowd eventually dispersed in panic as gunfire intensified.
As of the time of filing this report, armoured personnel carriers from the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Police, and DSS remained stationed at strategic points across the city.
