For the second time in two weeks, roadblocks and a heavy presence of military and other security personnel have disrupted movement in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The development comes amid a protest demanding the release of abducted school children, with security agencies restricting access to key government areas within the city.
The road leading to the Federal Secretariat Complex from Maitama through the Transcorp Hilton axis was blocked with Army and Police vehicles, while heavily armed security personnel were stationed at strategic points.
Similarly, the road from Mararaba through the Court of Appeal was closed to vehicular traffic, preventing access to the Eagle Square and the Secretariat Complex.
Roads within and around the Federal Secretariat premises were also blocked. As of the time of monitoring, no vehicles were seen entering the National Assembly Complex or the State House.
Armoured vehicles and military checkpoints were equally deployed at several strategic locations within the area.
The security measures prevented protesters from accessing routes leading to the Federal Secretariat and the State House, forcing many residents, civil servants and business operators to trek considerable distances to their offices and places of work.
Despite the disruption, residents remained calm as they made their way on foot through the affected areas.
The latest restrictions mark the second such security lockdown in Abuja within two weeks, raising concerns among residents over the impact on daily activities and movement within the city.