The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has issued a security alert ahead of planned #FreeNnamdiKanu protests, warning that protesters could turn violent and advising its “citizens to avoid this area and to severely limit all movement throughout the city on Monday, October 20th.”

The U.S. Embassy, in a statement on Friday, alerted Americans in Abuja that “there may be roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations between police and protestors that could turn violent around Eagle Square and the Central Business District.”

It added, “The Embassy recommends children in Abuja stay home from school and domestic staff that travel from outside of Abuja to stay home as well.”

The U.S. Embassy urged its citizens based in Abuja to “avoid areas where protests are taking place, avoid crowds, exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests, amongst others.”

Omoyele Sowore, an activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, has commenced mobilisation for protests demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Kanu has been in detention for over four years after he was allegedly abducted from Kenya by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime.

Since his abduction and return to Nigeria, his trial for treason and other terrorism-related charges has continued to linger.