ABUJA, Nigeria — There was tension in parts of Abuja today as security operatives reportedly fired tear gas to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

According to multiple eyewitness videos circulating online, protesters carrying placards and chanting “Free Nnamdi Kanu Now!” gathered early Monday morning near major intersections before police moved in to block the roads and disperse the crowd.

Social commentator and activist Mama Pee, who streamed live from the protest ground, alleged that the demonstrators were met with heavy tear gas and police resistance. In her live update, she was heard saying:

“They are shooting tear gas! That’s the worst they can do. Kill us! We are only asking for justice.”

International media outlets including Reuters also reported that Nigerian police used tear gas to break up the protest, confirming the chaotic scenes and tense atmosphere in the Federal Capital Territory.

While some videos online claim that live bullets were fired, that information has not been independently verified at press time. However, eyewitnesses say several protesters were seen coughing and running for safety as smoke filled the air.

Police, Organizers Yet to Issue Official Statements

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Police Force and organizers of the pro-Biafra protest have not released official statements regarding the alleged use of force. Security operatives have, however, been seen maintaining a heavy presence around key locations in Abuja to prevent further gatherings.

Observers note that the protest reflects growing frustration among supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in custody despite several court rulings and calls for his release.

Public Reactions and Social Media Outcry

On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, hashtags such as #FreeNnamdiKanu, #TearGasInAbuja, and #MamaPeeLive are trending, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what they describe as excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

Some users hailed Mama Pee for her courage in reporting from the scene, saying her live stream provided rare firsthand footage of what happened. Others called on the federal government to engage protesters peacefully and address long-standing grievances.

The Abuja protest underscores the delicate balance between national security and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly — a topic that continues to spark debate in Nigeria’s democratic space.

As tensions simmer, all eyes remain on the authorities for their next move and on activists like Mama Pee, whose voice continues to echo from the ground.