Commuters were left stranded for several hours on Monday morning due to massive traffic congestion caused by the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Security checkpoints and road barricades set up by the police, military, and other security agencies brought traffic to a standstill on key routes, including Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Mpappe, Dei-Dei, Dutse, Bwari, and Kubwa, leaving thousands of residents stuck on their way to work.
From as early as 7 a.m., those heading towards the city centre through the Nyanya-Karu axis faced long queues of vehicles stretching for kilometres, as security operatives restricted movement towards Berger, Wuse, Aso Rock, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Business District, among other areas.
Reports indicated that many motorists travelling to the city had to turn back, while some parked by the roadside as security officials diverted traffic and intensified patrols around key locations such as Eagle Square, Shehu Shagari Way, and the National Assembly complex.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, led by activist Omoyele Sowore, began earlier in the morning, calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed officers to uphold existing court rulings that prohibit protests around key government facilities.
The Nigeria Police Force cautioned that demonstrations must not occur near Aso Rock Villa and other restricted government areas in the Federal Capital Territory.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the directive stemmed from a Federal High Court order banning gatherings near sensitive locations such as the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Hundeyin urged both protesters and counter-protest groups to stay clear of restricted areas and express their grievances through lawful and peaceful methods.
By mid-morning, access to the Central Area and the Three Arms Zone was still partly blocked, with heavy police presence and armoured vehicles stationed at several junctions.
Many residents heading to their workplaces returned home, while others had to walk long distances to reach the city centre.
