Protests in Abuja Turn Chaotic as Police Fire Tear Gas, Arrest Dozens
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Protests demanding the release of a separatist leader in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, turned violent on Monday after police fired tear gas and arrested several demonstrators, along with a journalist from Agence France-Presse (AFP), who was later released.
Witnesses and journalists reported hearing gunshots as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in different parts of the city.
The demonstrations, which spread across several key areas of Abuja, called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — a movement seeking independence for Nigeria’s southeast region.
Security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and electric barricades to disperse the crowds, particularly in central Abuja and along major roads. The heavy police presence and blocked routes disrupted traffic, leaving many commuters stranded.
Kanu’s continued detention has remained a flashpoint in Nigeria’s southeast, where members of the Igbo ethnic groupaccuse the federal government of political and economic marginalization.
A dual British-Nigerian citizen, Kanu was first detained in 2015 and charged with terrorism and treason. Although his legal team has repeatedly sought his release, a Nigerian court recently ruled that he must stand trial, rejecting claims that the government has no case against him.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that he was among those detained during the protests.
AFP later reported that their correspondent in Abuja, who was also arrested during the unrest, was freed shortly afterward. However, his equipment was destroyed during the incident. “There were no protesters at the scene where he was arrested,” AFP said.
