Thirteen people were arrested Monday during a pro-Nnamdi Kanu protest in Nigeria’s capital, police said, denying that officers fired live ammunition at demonstrators.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The protest, organized by supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), demanded the release of Kanu, the group’s leader. IPOB is a banned separatist organization that seeks independence for southeastern Nigeria.

Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrests and said officers acted to enforce a court order restricting protests to designated areas.

“We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order,” Hundeyin said. “We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant. I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition.”

Hundeyin added that noises some protesters heard were likely from tear gas canisters, which can sound like gunfire. Police deployed water cannons, armored vehicles, and barriers to control crowds in central Abuja.

Witnesses described clashes between police and demonstrators. Some protesters reported hearing gunshots, though authorities insist these were not live rounds. The arrests included Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Fineboy Kanu. They are expected to be arraigned in court after investigations.

Human rights groups criticized the police response. Amnesty International called the dispersal “excessive force” that violated Nigerians’ right to peaceful assembly.

Kanu, a British citizen, has faced multiple arrests since 2015 on charges including terrorism and treason, linked to his campaign for Biafran independence. Despite court orders calling for his release, he remains in detention, fueling unrest in the southeast.

Protests in support of Kanu have occurred across Nigeria in recent years, often prompting heavy security measures. Monday’s demonstration caused major traffic disruptions in central Abuja, reflecting the ongoing tension between authorities and separatist supporters.

The situation highlights deep political and social grievances in southeastern Nigeria. Residents and activists say they feel marginalized and underrepresented in national politics, a sentiment that has persisted for decades.

Analysts warn that how the government handles protests, including arrests and crowd control methods, could influence public trust and affect security in the region.

Monday’s arrests and the strong police presence are likely to further inflame tensions, especially among IPOB supporters who view Kanu’s continued detention as unjust. Authorities say they are committed to maintaining order while respecting constitutional rights, though the events underscore the challenges of balancing security and civil liberties.

Observers note that future protests are likely unless meaningful dialogue occurs between the government and separatist groups. Meanwhile, both domestic and international human rights organizations are monitoring the situation closely.

Monday’s incident adds to a series of demonstrations in Nigeria over separatist and civil rights issues, highlighting ongoing divisions and the delicate task facing security forces in managing public gatherings without escalating violence.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.