Nigerian police fire tear gas as protesters demand release of separatist leader

Nigerian police fire tear gas as protesters demand release of separatist leader World Oct 20, 2025 2:19 PM EDT

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Demonstrations for the release of a separatist leader in Nigeria’s capital city turned violent on Monday as police fired tear gas and arrested dozens of protesters, as well as a journalist with French news agency Agence France-Presse, or AFP, who was released shortly afterwards.

Witnesses and journalists also reported hearing gunshots amid pockets of clashes between the protesters and security forces in the capital, Abuja.

Dozens of protesters spread across different parts of the city were calling on authorities to release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra separatist group that seeks independence for Nigeria’s southeastern region.

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