Abuja Road Under Military Control as Protests Loom

Soldiers occupy Abuja road ahead of protests...

Commuters stranded on Keffi-Abuja expressway due to military roadblock, just days before planned nationwide protest against Nigeria's escalating cost of living and economic difficulties.

Commuters on the Keffi-Abuja expressway faced unexpected delays on Monday as military personnel set up a roadblock for a stop-and-search operation on vehicles entering the capital city.

The soldiers established the checkpoint at Sani Abacha barracks, near the AYA roundabout, without prior notice, causing traffic congestion that stretched over 12 kilometers to Nyanya Bridge.

The sudden blockade disproportionately affected civil servants and traders who commute from outlying areas like Nyanya, Karu, Maraba, and Masaka, causing significant disruptions to their daily routines.

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After hours of being stranded, many frustrated commuters were forced to abandon their journeys and head back home, adding to the misery of an already challenging day.

This incident comes at a sensitive time, just 72 hours before a planned nationwide protest on August 1, where youths aim to voice their concerns about Nigeria's escalating cost of living and economic hardships, sparking worries about potential further disruptions.