TRAFFIC congestion in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, reached new heights today as combined security forces from the Guards Brigade and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command expanded roadblocks at major entry points into the city.
The development followed ongoing demonstrations led by #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore.
Motorists and commuters experienced long hours of gridlock across major routes, including Bwari, Zuba, and Nyanya.
The road linking Bwari to the city centre was completely blocked at the War College area in Ushafa and at Dutse-Sokale, leaving many workers stranded.
Initially, security checkpoints were restricted to strategic government areas such as the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Eagle Square.
However, authorities extended the roadblocks to the outskirts of the FCT to prevent what they described as “external aggressors” from infiltrating the capital.
“Every motorist entering the City Centre is being screened now. This is to separate infiltrators from genuine, law-abiding citizens. We can’t afford unrest in the seat of power,” a security official told newsmen.
Another officer disclosed that intelligence reports indicated plans by protesters to regroup and mobilise street youths for renewed demonstrations.
A civil servant, Isaac Babalola, said he was forced to return home after being trapped for hours in traffic near the War College Camp in Ushafa.
He confirmed that security operatives were conducting thorough vehicle checks, further worsening the gridlock.
Motorists along the Mararaba–Nyanya axis also expressed frustration, saying the sudden checkpoints disrupted their schedules.
The increased security presence in Abuja comes as tension rises nationwide over the alleged coup plot against president Tinubu’s administration, with authorities tightening surveillance and movement restrictions across the city.