The Nigeria Police Force has firmly denied allegations that its officers used live ammunition to disperse protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration in Abuja on October 20, 2025.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the police employed only tear gas to manage the crowd and enforce a court order restricting access to sensitive government areas. He described claims of live ammunition use as “false and misleading” .
Despite the police’s denial, multiple eyewitnesses and journalists reported hearing gunshots during the protest. Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed that one of its reporters was arrested while covering the event; although released shortly after, his equipment was destroyed .
The protest, organized by activist Omoyele Sowore, was held to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in detention since 2021 on charges of terrorism and treason.
The demonstration led to significant traffic disruptions in Abuja and heightened security measures, including the deployment of water cannons and armored vehicles .
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the handling of the protest, urging the Nigerian government to respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. The situation remains tense as calls for Kanu’s release continue to resonate across various regions of Nigeria.
Leave a Reply