Heavy security has been deployed around the Presidential Villa in Abuja ahead of a planned protest demanding urgent action over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers across parts of Nigeria.
On Thursday, armed soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service were stationed at strategic entry points leading to the Villa.
The presence of security operatives resulted in tight restrictions on both vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area, with checkpoints and barricades mounted along major access roads.
Key routes leading to the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and Supreme Court were also affected, causing heavy traffic congestion and leaving many commuters stranded. Motorists were forced to divert to alternative routes as movement within the capital was disrupted.
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The security build-up comes ahead of a planned peaceful demonstration organised by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Take It Back Movement.
The organisers had called for a mass protest beginning at Eagle Square and proceeding toward the Presidential Villa. The demonstration is aimed at demanding the immediate release of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims abducted in various attacks across Oyo, Borno, and other states.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to secure the release of the victims or resign, accusing the government of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
The planned protest reflects growing public concern over recurring kidnappings and insecurity in several parts of the country, with increasing calls for stronger protection of schools and communities.
As of the time of filing this report, no protest activity had commenced, but security operatives remained heavily deployed across key areas of Abuja.
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