Nigerian police cite security reasons for banning public protests in capital Abuja

Nigerian police cite security reasons for banning public protests in capital Abuja for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls seized by Islamist militants.

Nigeria kidnapped girls: protests banned in Abuja

The schoolgirls are believed to be held in a remote part of Borno state

Nigerian police have banned public protests in the capital Abuja for the release of more than 200 schoolgirls seized by Islamist militants in April.

Abuja police commissioner Joseph Mbu said the rallies were "now posing a serious security threat".

Nigeria has seen almost daily rallies calling for the government to take firmer action to rescue the girls.

There have been mass demonstrations both in Nigeria and abroad demanding the release of the girls

In a statement, Mr Mbu said that public protests had "degenerated" and were now a security threat.

He was also quoted by the state-run Agency of Nigeria as saying that "dangerous elements" could join the demonstrations.

Nigeria's government has been facing growing pressure both at home and abroad to do more to tackle the group and bring about the girls' release.

A deal for the release of some of the abducted schoolgirls in Nigeria was close to being secured when the Nigerian government called it off late last month, the BBC has learned.

Some of the girls were set to be freed in exchange for imprisoned Islamist militants, reports the BBC's Will Ross.

Thousands of people have died since Boko Haram began a violent campaign against the Nigerian government in 2009 and in the subsequent security crackdown.
Boko Haram militants snatched the girls from the remote Chibok village near the Cameroon border on 14 April.