The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a security advisory to Americans ahead of a planned protest in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday.
The protest, coordinated under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is anticipated to draw large numbers of people to Eagle Square and the Central Business District.
Omoyele Sowore, an activist and former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress, publicized the planned rally on October 9 via his X (previously Twitter) account.
Sowore announced that the protest will take place on October 20 and will be directed against the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, portraying it as a “historic” and peaceful action to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.
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.”
Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism charges in the Federal High Court in Abuja, has been in detention since June 2021, following his disputed extradition from Kenya.
In a statement posted on its website on Friday, the embassy warned that the protest could cause interruptions and violence.
It recommended US citizens avoid the protest areas and minimize their movement throughout the city.
“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 statement read in part.
With safety in mind, the Embassy advised that children stay at home from school and that domestic servants who commute from outside Abuja not report to work on that day.
“The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff who travel from outside of Abuja stay home as well,” it added.
Americans in Nigeria are being urged to take additional security precautions.
“Avoid areas where protests are taking place. Avoid crowds. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the advisory continued.
The Embassy further advised US citizens to watch local news, maintain a low profile, and be cautious in public locations such as shopping malls, movie theaters, and places of worship.
“Review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency,” the message advised.
