Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), widely known as Shi’ites and led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, staged protests across Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Sokoto states on Sunday, in response to the killing of Iranian leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.
The Nigeria Police Force, in response to rising tensions, ordered Commissioners of Police across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to boost surveillance, especially in the North Central, North East, and North West regions.
Authorities emphasized intelligence-led policing, collaboration with religious and community leaders, and heightened security around worship centers to prevent unrest. Acting IGP, Olatunji Disu reaffirmed the Police commitment to national peace and warned that Nigeria will not be a ground for foreign conflicts.
In Gombe, IMN members held a peaceful march after prayers from their Tudun Wadan Pantami center, carrying placards denouncing the airstrike and calling for justice. Sheikh Muhammad Abbari urged calm and lawfulness while expressing solidarity with Iran.
Similar demonstrations were reported in Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Sokoto, with participants chanting slogans, waving Iranian flags, and condemning US-Israeli actions.
