Normalcy has returned to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, a day after security operatives barricaded major roads in the city centre to prevent a protest by supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

On Monday, the protest disrupted movement and halted several early morning activities across key parts of the city.

However, 24 hours later, a Channels Television team toured the city and confirmed that business, commercial, and social activities have resumed fully.

The heavy presence of police and other security personnel that dominated the streets on Monday has also disappeared.

The protesters had vowed to continue their demonstrations until Nnamdi Kanu is released from detention. Kanu has been in custody since 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.

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Activist Omoyele Sowore led the march on Monday despite a court order and police warning. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” “It’s our constitutional right to protest,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before the police shots eventually dispersed them.

Some shouted, “Tear gas cannot stop us,” as they fled the scene. The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest began near Transcorp Hilton and other areas in the Federal Capital Territory.

Police arrived early and fired tear gas to disperse protesters and onlookers. Operatives were positioned along major routes to Aso Rock, with heavy security at Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.

Our correspondent reported that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were barricaded.

Security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain, the protest take-off point, and denied access to motorists and pedestrians. Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving both Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible.

A combined team of soldiers and police officers has fired tear gas at a crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in the Utako area of Abuja. The crowd, which was not part of the protest, dispersed quickly as security operatives moved in.