Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday stormed the Kugbo Market area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in what witnesses described as an intimidating raid targeting market leaders and traders said to be mobilising support for the forthcoming #FreeNnamdiKanu protest scheduled for October 20.
According to reports gathered by SaharaReporters, the security operatives arrived at the market in several unmarked vehicles and began questioning market executives and shop owners shortly after human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, visited the area for a mobilisation exercise.
Sources disclosed that the DSS officials demanded the phone numbers and identities of key market leaders and were seen moving from one section of the market to another, reportedly searching for individuals believed to be coordinating the planned protest.
Confirming the development, Sowore in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, condemned the DSS action, describing it as an act of desperation and an attempt to suppress citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
He wrote:
“We have received reports that @OfficialDSSNG, in a state of desperation, is attempting to intimidate and harass market leaders in Abuja, where we have been mobilising since yesterday in preparation for the planned action on Monday, October 20, to #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.
We assure Nigerian citizens who are working tirelessly that they should not be swayed by the DSS’s desperation. Nothing can stop the planned action, and nothing will happen to anyone.”
The activist described the DSS invasion as part of a “broader campaign of intimidation” aimed at silencing those advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been in DSS custody since June 2021 following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Sowore had on Monday, October 13, commenced a series of mobilisation activities in Abuja ahead of the October 20 march to the Presidential Villa. During one of such engagements at the Gudu Igbo Association meeting, Sowore appeared alongside Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, addressing a crowd of supporters who chanted solidarity songs and pledged participation in the peaceful protest.
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is being organised to demand the immediate and unconditional release of the IPOB leader, in compliance with multiple court judgments ordering his freedom.
Sowore also used the platform to challenge prominent Southeast political leaders, including Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, to go beyond rhetoric and join the peaceful march in solidarity.
He reiterated that the planned protest would be peaceful and lawful, noting that it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian to demand justice and the enforcement of court orders.
“The march to Aso Rock on October 20 at 7 a.m. will be peaceful, lawful, and firm in its demand. Nigerians have a right to demand justice without fear of harassment or intimidation,” Sowore declared.
The DSS has not issued any official statement regarding the alleged operation as of the time of this report.
Residents of the Kugbo area, however, expressed fear over the presence of the operatives, saying such clampdowns could escalate tension ahead of the planned demonstration.
The incident underscores rising tensions in the capital as activists intensify mobilisation for what they describe as a nationwide call for justice, transparency, and respect for the rule of law in the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
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