Police Justify Use of Tear Gas During ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ Protest in Abuja

By Diafa Doubra,

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its decision to use tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered in Abuja demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement on Monday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the action was necessary to maintain public order after the demonstration allegedly turned unruly. According to him, some participants deviated from the approved route and attempted to block major roads, posing security threats to commuters and businesses in the area.

“The police acted within the bounds of the law to prevent a breakdown of law and order. No lives were lost, and no one was deliberately targeted,” Adejobi clarified. He added that the police had earlier engaged the organizers to ensure a peaceful protest, but the situation “escalated beyond tolerance levels.”

Eyewitnesses, however, told reporters that officers fired tear gas canisters shortly after protesters began chanting slogans and displaying banners calling for Kanu’s freedom. Videos circulating online show people scampering for safety as thick smoke filled the air.

Rights groups have since condemned the police response, describing it as excessive and a violation of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, IPOB’s spokesperson reiterated the group’s demand for Kanu’s unconditional release, saying the movement would continue to press its cause through lawful means.

Nnamdi Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his arrest abroad and extradition to Nigeria, where he faces charges of treasonable felony and terrorism-related offenses.