The Nigeria Police Force has defended its actions during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, maintaining that its officers acted within the confines of the law while enforcing a valid court order restricting demonstrations in key parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The protest, which took place on Monday near the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Maitama, was organized by supporters calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Protesters had gathered as early as 9 a.m., chanting solidarity songs and waving placards demanding that the Federal Government obey court orders concerning Kanu’s release.
Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the area to prevent the demonstrators from advancing toward restricted government zones, including the Federal High Court, the National Assembly, and the Three Arms Zone.
Eyewitnesses said the atmosphere became tense when the protesters refused to vacate the area after several warnings by police officers, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse them.
In a statement issued later on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the officers acted in accordance with the law and the rules of engagement guiding crowd control.
Hundeyin explained that the police operation was carried out to enforce a subsisting court order prohibiting any procession or public gathering connected to IPOB or its detained leader within the Abuja metropolis.
He disclosed that intelligence reports received by the police indicated that some miscreants were planning to hijack the protest to cause public disorder and disrupt activities in the capital city.
According to him, the police moved swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order, adding that the intervention was timely and necessary to protect lives and property.
“The Nigeria Police Force acted within the law. Our men used only minimal and non-lethal force after the protesters became unruly and attempted to breach security barricades,” Hundeyin stated.
He noted that no live ammunition was fired at any point during the exercise, stressing that the use of tear gas was a standard crowd control measure intended to disperse the gathering peacefully.
Hundeyin reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to respecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest but emphasized that such rights must be exercised responsibly and without violating existing legal restrictions.
He advised protest organizers to always obtain the necessary approvals and cooperate with security agencies in the planning and conduct of public demonstrations to ensure safety and order.
The Force spokesman also cautioned the public against circulating unverified information on social media, describing reports of police brutality or casualties as false and capable of inciting unnecessary tension.
Some protesters, however, alleged that the police used excessive force, claiming that the demonstration was peaceful until the arrival of the security operatives.
A participant, who identified himself as Emmanuel, said they were only demanding justice and the implementation of court orders directing the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
He accused the police of suppressing lawful expression, insisting that their protest posed no threat to public safety or government institutions.
Eyewitness videos circulating online showed some protesters fleeing in different directions as tear gas canisters exploded, while a few others regrouped and continued chanting slogans before dispersing.
The protest comes amid renewed appeals from political leaders, civil society organizations, and traditional rulers urging the Federal Government to comply with judicial pronouncements on Kanu’s case and explore dialogue as a pathway to lasting peace in the Southeast.
As of press time, calm had returned to the Maitama area, while police patrol teams maintained a visible presence to forestall any resurgence of unrest.
