By Obasola Olatunde and Seun Ibiyemi

Security agencies across Nigeria have declared a state of heightened vigilance ahead of a planned nationwide protest on Monday calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

With tensions rising, the Federal Government has placed key security organizations on red alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the demonstrations.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have all announced stepped-up security measures. 

In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, NCoS Public Relations Officer Abubakar Umar declared all correctional facilities across the country as “red zones,” cautioning the public against approaching them.

Umar issued a strong warning that correctional centres remain restricted areas and that anyone without official business should stay away to prevent untoward incidents or security breaches.

He appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies and avoid any acts that could compromise national security during the protests.

Similarly, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, cautioned protesters against any attempt to vandalize Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). 

Odumosu confirmed a massive deployment of personnel across strategic areas in Abuja to protect public facilities and residents before, during, and after the planned demonstration. 

He stated that the corps is prepared to ensure there are no incidents of destruction or threats to peace, adding that officers have been briefed to act professionally, avoid intimidation, and adopt non-kinetic approaches in handling the protesters. 

Odumosu warned that anyone attempting to hijack or disrupt the peaceful protests will face the full weight of the law.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has also weighed in, directing all police commands across the nation to remain on high alert. 

The IGP ordered nationwide security surveillance and mandated visible deployments across strategic locations, particularly in Abuja, to forestall any possible unrest.

Meanwhile, the convener of the #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, called on the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, to ensure the constitutional rights of peaceful protesters are fully respected. 

In a social media post, Sowore urged police officers to refrain from using excessive force or engaging in unlawful arrests during the march. 

He warned that any brutality would attract repercussions, stressing that the Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt it. 

Sowore called on every police officer to uphold their oath to protect citizens and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The planned #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, scheduled for Monday, October 20, has generated mixed reactions, with groups organizing demonstrations both for and against the IPOB leader’s release.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony. His initial arrest occurred in 2015; he was later granted bail in 2017 but subsequently fled the country following a military invasion of his Abia residence.

Despite multiple court rulings ordering his release since his re-arrest, the Federal Government has yet to comply, sparking recurring agitations and renewed calls for justice.

As Nigerians brace for Monday’s demonstrations, authorities are appealing for restraint, dialogue, and strict adherence to the rule of law, unequivocally warning that any act capable of breaching national peace and security will not be tolerated.