Heavy security presence has been reported around the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, in Nigeria ahead of a planned protest allegedly organised by activist Omoyele Sowore.

Security operatives were deployed early in the day, with checkpoints and restricted access routes put in place around key entry points leading to the Villa in Abuja.

The development follows announcements of a planned demonstration, which organisers say is aimed at protesting governance issues and rising economic hardship in the country.

Authorities have not officially confirmed whether the protest has been authorised, but security agencies are said to be on high alert to prevent any breach of public order.

Residents and commuters in parts of the Federal Capital Territory have reported increased military and police presence, leading to tighter movement restrictions in some areas.

Sowore, known for leading previous anti-government protests, has not issued a fresh response to the heightened security deployment at the time of this report.

The situation remains fluid as security agencies monitor developments around the planned protest.