A peaceful protest in Abuja calling for urgent government action on insecurity, the release of abducted schoolchildren, and improved governance was disrupted on Friday after security operatives fired teargas at demonstrators approaching Eagle Square.

The procession, which began earlier in the day at Berger roundabout, was heading towards the Federal Secretariat where organisers planned to submit their demands to the Federal Government when it was intercepted near Eagle Square by armed policemen.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that teargas canisters were fired into the advancing crowd as the protesters approached the area, causing panic and forcing participants to scatter temporarily.

Human rights activist and protest leader, Omoyele Sowore, was among those affected by the chemical irritants, with reports stating that he fell down.

He was said to have inhaled the fumes and experienced breathing difficulties before being assisted away from the scene by fellow protesters.

A second round of teargas was reportedly fired while he was still receiving attention, further heightening tension and confusion in the area.

Despite the disruption, the demonstrators later regrouped and continued with their protest, insisting they would not be deterred by the actions of security operatives.

The protesters maintained that their demands remain focused on ending insecurity across the country, securing the release of abducted schoolchildren, and improving governance standards.

Speaking after the incident, Sowore said Nigerians must be freed from what he described as oppressive conditions, insisting that citizens have a right to peaceful protest and accountability from those in power.