The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo has announced an extension of the nationwide protest demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The demonstration, originally scheduled for October 20, 2025, will now continue through to October 25, under the banner of “Operation Occupy”, according to a statement released by the organisation’s youth wing.
In the statement, Ohanaeze urged Igbos both in Nigeria and in the diaspora to set aside internal divisions and join the extended protest, which will include street marches, peaceful sit-ins at strategic locations, shutdowns of markets and motor-parks, and other civil actions aimed at drawing attention to what the group called the “unjust, unlawful and prolonged detention” of Nnamdi Kanu.
The extension came after a heavy police and security presence in Abuja and other states on October 20, where protesters were met with tear-gas and barricades in areas such as the Three-Arms Zone and the Unity Fountain. The youth wing called the response by security forces “an indication that the people’s voice has been heard” and affirmed that the movement will not back down until their demands are met.
The statement emphasised that “Operation Occupy” is non-violent, noting that participants are instructed to remain peaceful, refrain from destruction of property, and carry valid identity cards. The organisers said they will converge on major cities across the South-East and other parts of the country, selecting key routes for “symbolic occupation” of public spaces.
Ohanaeze also placed responsibility on the federal government to engage in dialogue and heed the call for justice, warning that failure to act before October 25 may lead to further escalation of the civil action.
As of now, the federal government and security agencies have not issued formal comment on the extension of the protest or the “Operation Occupy” label.