Security has been tightened around the Presidential Villa in Abuja as authorities brace for a planned protest led by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
On Thursday morning, a large number of anti-riot police officers were deployed to major access points leading to the State House, with security personnel mounting strict surveillance around the main entrance.
DDM gathered that the security build-up is linked to Sowore’s threat to lead protesters to Aso Rock over the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
A visit to the Presidential Villa showed armed officers in full riot gear stationed at strategic points, while access to the premises was restricted to individuals with valid State House identification.
Several people without official clearance were reportedly turned back by security operatives.
Sowore had announced on Wednesday that members of the AAC and the Take It Back Movement would converge at Eagle Square before marching to the Presidential Villa under the banner of #OccupyAsoRock.
According to him, the protest is aimed at demanding the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and other victims of kidnapping across the country.
He also challenged President Bola Tinubu to secure the release of the abducted pupils or take responsibility for what he described as the government’s failure to protect Nigerians.
“You cannot claim to be President and Commander-in-Chief and then refuse to perform the basic duty of protecting citizens,” Sowore said while addressing supporters earlier this week.
He argued that the large number of security personnel assigned to stop protesters would be better deployed to safeguard schools and vulnerable communities.
“It would have been better if these officers were protecting our schools instead of preventing citizens from demanding accountability,” he said.
Sowore also appealed directly to security personnel, reminding them that their own children could one day become victims of the country’s growing insecurity.
The planned demonstration comes in response to the abduction of dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The incident affected Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
On the same day, another group of pupils was kidnapped from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Federal Government has since launched rescue efforts, including the deployment of a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to affected communities in Oyo State.
President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and authorised the deployment of a specialised rescue team to support ongoing operations.
Despite these measures, public concern remains high, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers declaring an indefinite strike in Oyo State and solidarity protests taking place across the country.
As of Thursday morning, security agencies remained on alert around the Presidential Villa while protesters prepared for the planned march.
