Tension as Security Operatives Stop Protesters at National Assembly Gate

On Thursday, heavy security prevented protesters from gaining access to the National Assembly (NASS) Complex in Abuja.

Military men, police operatives, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officials barricaded major roads leading to the Three Arms Zone.

Routes around the Supreme Court and Presidential Villa were also affected by the security lockdown, it was reported.

Access roads to the NEXIM Bank through the Federal Secretariat axis, Bullet House and areas leading from the Police Headquarters were restricted.

The operation started as early as 7am, resulting in heavy traffic congestion.

Many workers headed to the Federal Secretariat and the National Assembly had to trek long distances to their offices.

Security operatives maintained strict control at entry points, allowing only limited vehicular movement into the National Assembly Complex.

The deployment followed planned protests by Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society organisation led by activist and 2027 African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

The group was scheduled to protest against escalating insecurity in the country. It also demanded the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Security operatives cordoned off the Three Arms Zone, preventing the protesters from reaching the National Assembly Complex.

At the time of filing this report they could not get near the area because of a heavy security cordon.