Security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters at protesters, including human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who had gathered in Abuja to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The protest, tagged #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow, was planned to take off from the Transcorp Hilton area and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), but was disrupted as police officers moved in early, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse participants and passersby.

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The operatives, who had cordoned off the hotel and adjoining streets, began firing tear gas even before protesters arrived in large numbers.

A visibly tightened atmosphere was observed across the city on the way this morning.

Soldiers, police, and operatives of the Department of State Services were deployed to key locations, including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and routes leading to Aso Rock.

Severe morning traffic congestion has brought the Kugbo-Nyanya Expressway to a standstill on Monday, as a planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest disrupts commuting into the Federal Capital Territory.

The demonstration, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore, began at 7 a.m. near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, with protesters demanding the release of Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained since 2021 on terrorism charges.

According to NTA News, the heavy gridlock is fueled by parked vehicles and gatherings along the busy Abuja-Keffi highway stretch, mixing commuter traffic with protest-related activity.

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“Motorists heading into the FCT from the Kugbo/Nyanya axis report slow movement, with several lanes reportedly blocked by parked vehicles and protest‑related activity,” the station reported.

It identified that the corridor is historically vulnerable to disruptions, citing “heavy traffic and blocked lanes due to security checks during protests and security operations in the past.”

The protest, defying police warnings and a Federal High Court order, aims to march toward the Presidential Villa, raising security concerns across the city.

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PUNCH Online had earlier reported that security operatives fired tear gas canisters at protesters, including Sowore, who had gathered for the protest.

The operatives, who had cordoned off the hotel and adjoining streets, began firing tear gas even before protesters arrived in large numbers.

The incident led to a tense atmosphere across the city, with many emphasising the right of citizens to protest.

Photos of the gridlock below:

The Delta State Police Command says it has intercepted 400 ammunition at the Bridge Head, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Bright Edafe, who disclosed this on Saturday in a statement in Asaba, noted that the command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has continued to sustain its proactive operations against criminal elements across the State.

He said, “Through intelligence-led policing, operatives of the command have recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against illicit drugs and illegal possession of ammunition.

“Operatives of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, intercepted a major movement of ammunition bound for Edo State.

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“While conducting routine surveillance and stop-and-search operations at the Head Bridge, Asaba, the operatives flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by one Ozoemenam Sylvanus.

“The driver, appearing uneasy during questioning, drew the suspicion of the officers, who proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle. 400 live cartridges were discovered carefully concealed within the bus.

“The suspect initially lied that it was padlocks, but was left speechless when the parcel was opened and the true content was seen. He was immediately arrested, and both he and the exhibit recovered”

Edafe said that the investigation to unravel the source and criminal network behind the illegal arms movement was ongoing.

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In another development, the command confirmed the arrest of a notorious drug baron known for distributing large quantities of hard drugs within Warri.

According to Edafe, following credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested one 37-year-old Onos Afokoghene, a notorious drug baron known for distributing large quantities of hard drugs within Warri and adjoining communities.

“Acting promptly on a tip-off, the Divisional Police Officer, Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Oboware, mobilised and led his patrol teams to the identified flashpoint in Jeddo Community, where the suspect and other suspected hoodlums were reportedly engaged in selling and consuming illicit substances.

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“Sensing the approach of the police, the suspects attempted to flee, but the team swiftly closed in and arrested the suspect, Onos Afokoghene, after a brief pursuit. A thorough search of the scene led to a startling discovery of illicit substances and paraphernalia used in large-scale drug sales,” he added.

Edafe said exhibits recovered include 3kg of Canadian Loud, 10kg of Indian Hemp, 24 litres of soaked weed suspected to be Indian Hemp, several sachets of Tramadol of various milligrams, and two POS machines suspected of being used for drug sales, among others.