Security is significantly reinforced around the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday as anti-riot police officers took positions at key access routes ahead of a planned protest led by activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
The heightened security followed Sowore’s announcement that he would lead members of the AAC and the Take It Back Movement on a march from Eagle Square to the Presidential Villa under the banner of #OccupyAsoRock, demanding the rescue of abducted schoolchildren and other kidnapping victims across the country.
A large contingent of anti-riot police is seen stationed at the Villa’s main gate, with officers in full protective gear restricting movement around the area. Access to the State House is limited to individuals with official identification, while others were turned away by security personnel.
Sowore said the protest was intended to pressure the Federal Government to secure the release of students and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states. He argued that the government must fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and warned that continued failure to do so would attract public resistance.
The planned demonstration stems from the May 15, 2026 abductions of dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as another kidnapping involving pupils of a school in Askira-Uba, Borno State.
In response to the incidents, the Federal Government recently deployed a high-level delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to affected communities and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards alongside the establishment of a specialised rescue unit to support efforts to free the victims.
The kidnappings have sparked widespread concern nationwide, prompting the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on an indefinite strike in Oyo State and organise solidarity rallies across several states in demand for improved security in schools.
