A heavy security presence was observed around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday ahead of a planned protest calling for the immediate release of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims still being held by kidnappers in Oyo, Borno, and other parts of the country.
Armed personnel from various security agencies, including the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, were deployed to key locations leading to the Presidential Villa.
Several roads were barricaded and security checkpoints established, restricting both vehicular and pedestrian movement. The measures caused significant traffic congestion around the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and Supreme Court, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes and leaving many stranded.
The protest was organised by human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, in collaboration with the Take It Back Movement. The demonstration was scheduled to commence at Eagle Square before proceeding to the Presidential Villa.
According to the organisers, the protest aimed to draw attention to the plight of schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens abducted across the country. They urged the Federal Government to take urgent action to secure the release of the victims and strengthen efforts to address the nation’s worsening security challenges.
The organisers also criticised the government’s handling of insecurity, insisting that protecting lives and property remains one of its most important responsibilities.
The planned demonstration comes amid increasing public concern over recurring cases of mass abductions and growing calls for safer schools, improved security, and greater accountability from government officials.
As of the time of reporting, no protest activity had been recorded. However, the extensive deployment of security personnel across parts of the Federal Capital Territory continued to generate concern among residents and commuters.
