Security operatives on Thursday intensified security around the Presidential Villa, popularly known as Aso Rock, and Eagle Square in Abuja ahead of a planned protest demanding the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Roads leading to Eagle Square, the designated venue for the demonstration, were barricaded by a joint team of security personnel comprising officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The protest was organised by the Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society group associated with activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. Organisers said the demonstration was intended to pressure authorities to secure the release of pupils and teachers kidnapped during attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The heightened security presence caused significant disruption to movement around Eagle Square and adjoining routes leading to the Presidential Villa. Many commuters, including civil servants heading to the Federal Secretariat, were forced to walk considerable distances after security operatives restricted vehicular access to key areas.

The planned protest follows growing public outrage over the May 15 abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oyo State. The incident has sparked demonstrations by teachers, civil society organisations, and concerned residents across several parts of the country, all demanding urgent government action to secure the victims’ release.

As of Thursday morning, security personnel remained stationed at strategic locations around Eagle Square and the Presidential Villa, while access to some roads in the area was restricted. Authorities had not announced any specific threat but maintained a strong presence as preparations for the protest continued.