Police Order Nationwide Clampdown Ahead Of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protests
The Nigeria Police Force has ordered all its commands across the country to heighten security ahead of planned demonstrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the unconditional release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
A wireless message issued by the Force Headquarters in Abuja and circulated to zonal and state commands warned that some “unscrupulous elements” had concluded plans to stage protests in the Federal Capital Territory, which could spread to other states.
According to SaharaReporters, the directive instructed police commanders to deploy covert operatives, keep tactical teams on standby in full gear, and confine officers to barracks where necessary.
The order is to take effect from Sunday, October 19, until further notice.
The internal signal read in part, “Intel at the disposal of the Inspector-General reveals that some unscrupulous elements have concluded plans to carry out a protest in Abuja, with anticipation that it will extend to other parts of the country on Monday, 20/10/2025, seeking the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Nigeria Police DOPS directs you to emplace adequate security measures to ensure hoodlums or miscreants do not cause mayhem or destroy lives and property. Any attempt to engage in destruction should be promptly resisted.”
The message further instructed commanders to deploy covert personnel for intelligence gathering, maintain standby units at command headquarters and divisions, and submit hourly situation reports.
It also directed that officers wear camouflage uniforms and tactical units use ballistic helmets until a stand-down order is issued.
The police directive follows growing mobilisation for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest organised by human rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore, and several pro-Biafran groups.
The organisers say the protest is intended to pressure the government to obey court orders demanding Kanu’s release.
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected a police application seeking to stop the planned demonstration, a decision that reportedly boosted mobilisation efforts.
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, accused the police of “turning their energy toward internal repression and fear tactics,” describing it as proof that the movement’s message “has struck a nerve.” He added, “The people are awake, and the movement remains unstoppable.”
The protest, which is set to begin at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, has drawn national attention and is expected to spread to major cities across Nigeria.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his controversial rendition from Kenya. Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government continues to detain him on charges of treasonable felony and incitement.
Organisers insist that the planned protest will be peaceful and will serve as a demand for justice, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja has issued an advisory warning U.S. citizens of possible roadblocks, disruptions, and confrontations around Eagle Square and the Central Business District on Monday, urging them to avoid demonstration routes.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
