Security operatives on Monday dispersed demonstrators calling for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in the Utako area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had initially scattered after police fired tear gas at them around the Maitama district, later reconvened at Utako to resume their march.
Armed officers again intervened and forcefully broke up the gathering.
The protesters, consisting of civil rights advocates and members of pro-democracy organisations, were participating in the #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow movement to pressure the Federal Government to adhere to the 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that discharged and acquitted Kanu.
Earlier, police had launched several rounds of tear gas at protesters and bystanders near the Transcorp Hilton and nearby streets in Maitama, causing panic as traders, motorists, and pedestrians scrambled for safety.
After regrouping in Utako, the demonstrators continued singing solidarity chants and displaying banners before security forces once more deployed tear gas to disperse them.
Security has now been heightened across the Federal Capital Territory, with personnel of the military, police, and Department of State Services positioned at major locations such as Eagle Square, the Federal Secretariat, and the Three Arms Zone.
At the Berger roundabout, a heavy military presence was also observed, including a gun truck stationed at the scene.