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| Traffice. |
Several commuters were left stranded for hours on Monday morning due to a massive traffic jam triggered by the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
Security checkpoints and barricades set up by the police, military, and other law enforcement agencies caused severe gridlock on major routes such as Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, Mpappe, Dei-Dei, Dutse, Bwari, and Kubwa, leaving thousands of residents unable to reach their destinations.
As early as 7 a.m., motorists heading towards the city centre through the Nyanya-Karu corridor faced long vehicle queues that stretched for kilometres, as officers restricted access to Berger, Wuse, Aso Rock, the Federal Secretariat, and the Central Business District, among other areas.
It was learnt that several drivers going into the city were compelled to turn back, while some parked their vehicles by the roadside as security operatives diverted traffic and increased patrols around sensitive areas such as Eagle Square, Shehu Shagari Way, and the National Assembly complex.
The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, organised by activist Omoyele Sowore, began earlier in the day to press for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Last week, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructed officers to enforce existing court rulings prohibiting protests near vital government premises.
The Nigeria Police Force cautioned that demonstrations must not be held close to Aso Rock Villa and other restricted government zones within the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the directive was based on a Federal High Court order banning gatherings near sensitive government areas such as the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way.
Hundeyin advised demonstrators and counter-protest groups to keep away from restricted locations and express their demands peacefully and lawfully.
By mid-morning, movement into the Central Area and the Three Arms Zone was still partly restricted, with heavy police patrols and armoured vehicles positioned at several key intersections.
Many residents on their way to work returned home, while others were forced to trek long distances to reach the city centre.
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