- Heavy security deployment blocked protesters from accessing the National Assembly.
- Major roads around Abuja’s Three Arms Zone were barricaded.
- Protesters demanded action on insecurity and abducted schoolchildren.
Heavy security deployment on Thursday prevented protesters from gaining access to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as security agencies moved to secure key government institutions in the Federal Capital Territory.
Armed military personnel, police officers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were stationed at strategic points around the Three Arms Zone, restricting movement in the area.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Tinubu Meets Anyim, Abiodun, Other APC Leaders After Primary Election
- Fresh Details Emerge In Tragic Death Of Three Sisters Found In UK Sea
- Tinubu Orders 50% Reduction in Train Fares for Eid-el-Kabir Travellers
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the security operation extended to roads surrounding the Supreme Court and the Presidential Villa, resulting in widespread disruptions for commuters and government workers.
Major access routes, including roads from the NEXIM Bank area through the Federal Secretariat axis, Bullet House, and corridors leading from the Force Headquarters, were barricaded as part of the operation.
The deployment reportedly commenced as early as 7:00 a.m., triggering heavy traffic congestion across parts of the city.
Many civil servants and other workers heading to offices within the Federal Secretariat and National Assembly areas were forced to abandon their vehicles and trek long distances to reach their destinations.
Security operatives maintained strict checks at entry points into the National Assembly Complex, allowing only limited vehicular movement into the premises.
The heightened security followed plans by the Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society organisation led by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, to stage a protest in the capital city.
The group had announced plans to demonstrate against the worsening security situation in the country and demand the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Despite gathering for the planned demonstration, protesters were unable to gain access to the National Assembly Complex as security personnel maintained a tight security cordon around the Three Arms Zone.
As of the time of filing this report, the protesters had not succeeded in reaching the National Assembly premises due to the extensive security blockade put in place by authorities.
FURTHER READING
- Presidency Demands Legal Action Against VeryDarkMan Over ‘Fake Tinubu Audio’
- “We’re Working to Ensure Safe Return” — Makinde on Abducted Pupils
- NRC Shuts Down Warri-Itakpe Train Route For Safety Assessment
