Abuja — There was chaos and heavy security presence in Abuja on Thursday as armed police officers and water cannons were deployed to control a massive protest demanding the release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The protest, organized by civil society groups and Kanu’s supporters, drew large crowds across major areas including Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, and Garki. Security operatives barricaded several routes, while eyewitnesses confirmed that a few protesters were arrested.
Videos shared online showed protesters chanting, “Holy Holy, Nnamdi Kanu is another saviour!” while armed police formed roadblocks around major intersections.
On Twitter (X), Nigerians expressed outrage at what they described as the misplaced priorities of the Nigerian Police Force, accusing the authorities of overreacting to peaceful demonstrators instead of tackling the country’s worsening insecurity.
One user wrote:
“Them don come out but kidnapping is ongoing everywhere in this country. We know what we are doing.”
Another added:
“Look at them, but not enough security personnel to combat terrorism. Shame.”
A third user criticized police conduct, saying:
“Nigerian police have always been very stupidly unprofessional and 90% of them have misplaced priorities. Btw, they can never be better until the whole police system is reintegrated lol.”
Others slammed the scale of police deployment for the protest, noting that even bandit-occupied areas don’t receive such attention:
“This much preparation just for peaceful protesters, but areas occupied by bandits and Boko Haram are not this policed.”
Among the trending online reactions was one claiming that:
“Sowore successfully delivered Nnamdi Kanu’s brother to Nigerian police.”
The claim, which spread widely on social media, has not been independently verified by authorities.
Another user warned police officers to reflect on their actions, writing:
“A friendly reminder to those standing on the road while their Ogas are abroad cooling off — one day you’ll regret it and protest when you retire. Kudos to the job you’re doing today; your day of protest for non-payment of gratuity and pension is coming.”
Despite the tension, the protest remained largely peaceful, though citizens and observers continue to call for restraint and open dialogue between the government and agitators.
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