18.10.2025
The Nigeria police is paring to crack down on protesters pressing for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest is billed to hold on Monday and the police headquarters in Abuja have urged its zonal and command levels nationwide to be at an alert as some individuals have finalised plans to stage protests in the Federal Capital Territory that may spread to other states.
The commands are under instructions
to deploy covert personnel, keep tactical units on standby in full kit, confine other officers to barracks where necessary, and begin the orders with effect from Sunday, October 19 until further notice.
The protest is being championed by human rights activist and leader of African Action Congress Omoyele Sowore and other activists in a demonstration of support for Kanu who has been detained since 2021 and facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought by the Federal government.
Organisers said the protest aims to press government authorities over Kanu’s continued detention.
Supporters say the protest would be peaceful and would serve as a call for justice, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.
On Friday the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected the police applications seeking to stop the demonstration, a development that fuelled both mobilisation and official concern. “Rather than engage with the legitimate and peaceful demands of citizens, the police are turning their energy toward internal repression and fear tactics, a clear sign that the movement’s message has struck a nerve,” Sowore wrote on X social media.
