Calm returned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday following the clash between security agents and protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
On Monday, several major roads within the city centre were barricaded to stop the protest organised by supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The protest disrupted traffic flow and interrupted many early morning activities in major parts of the city.
However, by Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that commercial, social, and business activities had resumed.
The heavy presence of police and other security forces that filled the streets on Monday remained in place to ensure law and order.
The protesters had insisted that their demonstrations would continue until Nnamdi Kanu was released from custody.
Kanu has remained in detention since 2021 following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.
Activist Omoyele Sowore led Monday’s protest despite a court order and a police warning.
Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before police gunfire eventually scattered them.
Some of the demonstrators also shouted, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they ran from the area.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest started near the Transcorp Hilton and spread to other parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Police officers arrived early at the scene and used tear gas to disperse both protesters and bystanders. Security personnel were also stationed along major routes leading to Aso Rock, with tight security around Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.
Our correspondent observed that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were closed off.
Security operatives also blocked entry into Unity Fountain, which served as the protest’s starting point, preventing both motorists and pedestrians from gaining access.
Heavily armed officers patrolled the area, rendering Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible to the public.
A joint team of police and soldiers fired tear gas at a crowd gathered close to the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in the Utako area of Abuja.
