The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has issued an urgent security alert in anticipation of mass demonstrations planned for Monday, October 20, 2025, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
The advisory specifically warned American citizens residing or traveling in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) about the high potential for traffic gridlock, roadblocks, and confrontations between security forces and protestors demanding the release of the detained separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The diplomatic mission also advised all U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid the designated #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest routes.
The alert issued on the official website of the U.S Embassy in Nigeria and released on Friday, October 17, 2025, specifically pinpointed the areas around Eagle Square and the Central Business District as likely flashpoints for disruption during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protests.
Organizers of the movement have called for a peaceful march towards the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, but the Embassy noted that even peaceful demonstrations can quickly escalate or lead to major disruptions to civic life.
The advisory cautioned that confrontations between police and protestors “could turn violent.” Given these risks, the Embassy advises American staff and their dependents to avoid this entire area and to severely limit all movement throughout Abuja on the day of the protest.
The security alert reads: “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 Embassy recommends that children in Abuja stay home from school and that domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja stay home as well.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency.”
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, billed as a peaceful march to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, is set to kick off at 7 a.m. on Monday.
Organized by prominent activist Omoyele Sowore, it was gathered that the protest is aimed at rallying supporters around Eagle Square and the Central Business District (CBD).
Sowore has been actively mobilizing crowds, to protest against what he described as Kanu’s unjust persecution.
The activist wrote, “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 am.”
Recall also that Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in Nigerian government custody since June 2021, facing various charges related to treason and terrorism.
His ongoing trial and detention have frequently triggered mass protests, “Sit-at-Home” orders particularly in the Southeast region of Nigeria.
