Security was significantly tightened around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday as authorities moved to secure the area ahead of a planned protest demanding the release of schoolchildren, teachers, and other victims abducted by terrorists across Nigeria.
A large contingent of security personnel, including soldiers, police officers, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), were stationed at strategic locations surrounding the Presidential Villa.
The security agencies also established checkpoints and erected barricades along key access roads leading to the seat of government, resulting in restrictions on both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Several workers reportedly experienced difficulty accessing offices within the area, while traffic congestion intensified around the Federal Secretariat, National Assembly, and Supreme Court corridors.
A commuter caught in the traffic situation described the experience as frustrating.
“Many of us were stranded for hours because of the roadblocks. We had to look for alternative routes just to get to our destinations,” the commuter said.
The protest, according to reports, was organised by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, in collaboration with the Take It Back Movement.
Organisers said demonstrators were expected to gather at Eagle Square before marching toward the Presidential Villa to press their demands.
Speaking on the objective of the protest, organisers insisted that the government must take urgent action to rescue all abducted victims still in captivity.
“We are demanding the immediate release of the abducted schoolchildren, teachers, and other citizens who remain in the hands of terrorists,” the organisers stated.
They further expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the security crisis, arguing that stronger measures were needed to protect lives and property across the country.
“The government must demonstrate greater commitment to safeguarding Nigerians and ensuring that schools remain safe places for learning,” the organisers added.
The planned demonstration comes amid growing public concern over recurring attacks on educational institutions and the increasing number of kidnapping incidents nationwide.
Many Nigerians have continued to call for improved security measures, safer learning environments, and greater accountability from public officials responsible for protecting citizens.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no reports of protest activities around the Presidential Villa.
