On Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, security forces tightened access around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa as police blocked major entry points following a planned protest by activist Omoyele Sowore and members of the African Action Congress.
The deployment involved anti-riot police officers stationed at the main gates of the State House, with movement restricted to only individuals carrying official identification. Others attempting to enter the area were turned back as security was placed on full alert.
The protest was announced by Sowore, who said he intended to lead a march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa under the banner of #OccupyAsoRock. The planned action was aimed at demanding the release of schoolchildren abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno states, while also calling on the government to take stronger action on insecurity in the country.
He stated that if the government failed to secure the release of the victims, there should be political accountability at the highest level.
The demonstration followed recent abductions in Oyo State, where dozens of pupils and teachers were taken during attacks on schools, as well as a separate kidnapping incident in Borno State involving students. These events have triggered public anger and renewed criticism of the country’s security system.
In response to the rising insecurity, the federal government had earlier sent top security officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, to affected communities. Authorities also approved the recruitment of forest guards and promised a mixed security response involving both force and negotiation.
Schools in some affected areas have remained closed, while teachers in Oyo State began an indefinite strike in protest over the attacks.
Security around the Presidential Villa remained tight as authorities monitored the situation closely to prevent any breach.