Security Agencies Seal Key Abuja Roads Over Proposed Sowore-Led Demonstration

Security agencies on Thursday mounted an extensive security operation around the Presidential Villa and Eagle Square in Abuja ahead of a planned protest organised by the Take-It-Back Movement.

The demonstration, associated with activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, was expected to focus on demands for the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

As early as Thursday morning, security personnel had barricaded major access routes leading to Eagle Square and surrounding areas near the Presidential Villa.

The deployment involved officers and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The heightened security presence caused significant traffic disruptions across parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

Many commuters, including civil servants heading to offices within the Federal Secretariat complex, were forced to abandon vehicles and trek considerable distances to reach their workplaces. Road users also experienced delays on adjoining routes connecting the city centre to the seat of government.

Despite the heavy security deployment, no protesters had arrived at the designated venue as of the time of filing this report.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement explaining the scale of the security operation, although observers linked it directly to preparations for the planned protest. The development comes amid growing public concern over insecurity and the increasing number of abduction cases reported in parts of the country.