By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Heavy security presence on Thursday halted protesters from gaining access to the National Assembly Complex as military personnel, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) barricaded all major access roads to the Three Arms Zone in Abuja.
The security lockdown also affected surrounding institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Presidential Villa, with restricted movement along key routes from NEXIM Bank through the Federal Secretariat axis, Bullet House, and areas leading from the Police Headquarters.
The operation began as early as 7 a.m., causing significant traffic congestion and forcing many workers heading to the Federal Secretariat and National Assembly to trek long distances to their offices.
Only limited vehicular movement was allowed into the National Assembly Complex as security operatives maintained strict control of entry points.
The deployment followed planned protests by the Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society organisation led by activist and 2027 African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, over rising insecurity in the country.
The group had also called for the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
However, protesters were prevented from reaching the National Assembly Complex as security operatives maintained a tight perimeter around the Three Arms Zone.
As of the time of filing this report, the protesters were unable to access the area due to the heavy security blockade.
