Heavy security was deployed around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday ahead of a planned protest demanding the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers still being held by terrorists in Oyo, Borno and other parts of Nigeria.
Armed soldiers, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) were strategically stationed at key entry points leading to the Presidential Villa, restricting both pedestrian and vehicular movement in the area.
Security personnel mounted checkpoints and erected barricades on major roads, preventing many public and private sector workers from accessing their offices.
The security measures triggered severe traffic congestion, as roads leading to the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly and Supreme Court were blocked, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes and leaving many commuters stranded.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, alongside the Take It Back Movement, had called for a peaceful mass protest scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The demonstration was expected to begin at Eagle Square and proceed to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa from 8:00 a.m.
According to the organisers, the protest was intended to demand the immediate release of schoolchildren, teachers and other victims abducted across the country.
They also called on President Bola Tinubu to secure the safe return of the captives or resign from office over what they described as a failure to fulfil the government’s primary responsibility of protecting lives and ensuring security.
The planned protest comes amid growing public concern over recurring mass kidnappings, with many Nigerians demanding safer schools, improved security and greater accountability from those in government.
As of the time of filing this report, no protest activity had been recorded. However, the heavy deployment of armed security personnel across parts of the Federal Capital Territory had sparked concern among residents and commuters.
(SaharaReporters)