Protesters, some bearing placards and green tree branches, while others carried sticks and cudgels, created palpable tension in the nation’s capital. Fears grew that the protest might descend into anarchy as police struggled to maintain order. Tear gas canisters were fired by police to disperse the large crowd around Asokoro.
The Kubwa-Zuba Expressway was blocked by protesters, halting normal traffic and leading to reports of harassment and theft of phones and other valuables from commuters. Security agents worked for hours before reopening the road. The Kurudu axis saw miscreants posing as protesters, primarily commercial tricycle (Keke Napep) riders, who brandished green tree branches and dangerous implements, cutting off movement from Karshi town to other parts of the capital.
Traders hurriedly closed their shops for fear of looting. Police mobilized at the Kurudu police station and military personnel were seen monitoring the Kurudu market area. In the morning, protesters attempted to gather at Eagle Square but were dispersed by police using tear gas. Many obeyed a court order limiting the protest to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Violence was reported in Mararaba, just outside the federal territory. Amidst the chaos, President Bola Tinubu met with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike at the Presidential Villa in Abuja at about 4pm. While the specifics of their discussion were unclear, it is likely they addressed the ongoing protest and its implications.
 experienced significant disruptions on Thursday as thousands of residents participated in a protest){kind=link}