On Monday morning, significant traffic congestion occurred in the Zuba and Nyanya areas of Abuja due to the establishment of security checkpoints ahead of the anticipated #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration.
Security personnel, reportedly from the armed forces, positioned roadblocks near the Army Barracks in Zuba, causing a standstill for numerous commuters as vehicles heading toward the city center were halted.
According to eyewitness accounts, the checkpoints were set up as early as 7 a.m., with officers conducting thorough inspections and limiting movement within the vicinity.
“Travelers coming from Zuba towards the city have been delayed for several hours. The blockade is significant, forcing some drivers to turn back while others remain stuck without alternative routes,” shared one commuter.
The blockage resulted in an extensive traffic jam spanning several kilometers, with drivers struggling to navigate the congestion. Many frustrated passengers opted to leave their vehicles and proceed on foot, while others sought different paths to enter the city.
Reports indicate that this security measure coincides with increased alertness in the Federal Capital Territory, prompted by activists’ plans to hold a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow rally advocating for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Local residents have voiced their worries about the escalating tension and the disruption to daily movement, calling on authorities to strike a balance between maintaining security and respecting citizens’ freedom of movement.
At the time of this report, no official communication had been released by security agencies regarding the roadblocks or the ensuing traffic delays.
