Armed Security Personnel Storm Aso Rock Over Sowore’s Planned Protest

A heavy security presence was deployed around the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday as authorities intensified surveillance ahead of a planned protest led by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Armed security operatives, including anti-riot police officers, were stationed at strategic points leading to the State House, while access to the seat of power was placed under strict control.

Eyewitnesses reported that officers in full riot gear formed security cordons around the main entrance to the Presidential Villa, with only individuals possessing valid State House identification permitted entry. Several persons without official clearance were turned back by security personnel.

The heightened security measures followed plans by Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC), and the Take It Back Movement to stage a protest march to Aso Rock under the banner #OccupyAsoRock.

The activist had announced that protesters would converge at Eagle Square before proceeding to the Presidential Villa to demand the immediate rescue of schoolchildren and other victims of kidnapping across the country.

Sowore had earlier declared that the demonstration would go ahead unless the Federal Government secured the release of students abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

Addressing supporters during a protest earlier in the week, he accused the government of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens and safeguard schools from criminal attacks.

“You cannot claim to be president of Nigeria and then refuse to do the job of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. We are not here to beg anybody,” Sowore said.

“We are just asking people who claim they are elected to protect Nigerians to do their work. It would have been great if the number of policemen preventing this march could instead protect our schools.”

He also challenged security personnel assigned to protect public officials, warning that insecurity remains a threat to every Nigerian family.

The planned protest is linked to the abduction of dozens of students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The victims were reportedly taken from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities.

A similar incident occurred the same day in Borno State, where pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area were reportedly kidnapped.

The incidents have sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against insecurity.

In response, the Federal Government recently sent a delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside top security chiefs, to the affected communities in Oyo State.

The administration also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and ordered the deployment of a specialised rescue unit to support efforts aimed at securing the release of the abducted victims.

Authorities have maintained that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being employed in the ongoing rescue operations, while appealing to residents to cooperate with security agencies.

The kidnappings have continued to attract widespread condemnation, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) embarking on an indefinite strike in Oyo State and solidarity protests held across several parts of the country.