The Nigeria Police Force has directed all commands and formations across the country to heighten security ahead of planned nationwide protests on Monday, October 20, 2025, demanding the unconditional release of detained Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
A wireless message from Force Headquarters in Abuja, obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, warned that “unscrupulous elements” were planning demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory that could spread to other states.
According to the directive, police commanders are to deploy covert operatives, keep tactical units on standby in full gear, and restrict certain officers to barracks where necessary. The measures are to take effect from Sunday, October 19, until further notice. Commands have also been ordered to submit hourly situation reports.
Part of the communication read:
“Intel at Force Headquarters reveals that some unscrupulous elements have concluded plans to protest in Abuja on Monday, October 20, 2025, seeking the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. You are directed to ensure that hoodlums and miscreants do not cause mayhem. Any attempt to destroy lives or property should be promptly resisted.”
It further instructed the deployment of covert officers for intelligence gathering and mandated all personnel to maintain readiness, wearing camouflage uniforms and ballistic helmets. Tactical and specialised units are to appear in approved attire “until a stand-down order is issued.”
The directive follows intensified mobilisation for the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration, organised by human rights activists, including Omoyele Sowore, and various pro-Biafran groups. The protest seeks to pressure the government to release Kanu, who remains in custody despite multiple court orders for his freedom.
On Friday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed police applications to stop the planned protest — a ruling that reportedly boosted public mobilisation and raised official concerns.
Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, wrote on X that “rather than engage with legitimate, peaceful demands, the police have resorted to repression and fear tactics — a sign that the movement’s message has hit a nerve.”
He added, “The people are awake, and the movement remains unstoppable.”
The nationwide protest is scheduled to begin at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, calling for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial re-arrest in 2021 after being forcibly returned from Kenya.
Despite several court rulings in his favour, the federal government continues to detain him on charges of treasonable felony and incitement.
Organisers say the protest will be peaceful and aims to uphold justice, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has issued an advisory warning its citizens of potential disruptions, roadblocks, and clashes around Eagle Square and the Central Business District on October 20, urging them to avoid demonstration areas.
