In a deadly confrontation on Friday in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, six people were killed during a clash between Nigerian security forces and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a Shiite Muslim group. According to police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, one security officer and five IMN members died in the violence.
The incident occurred during a march in solidarity with Palestinians on International Quds Day, observed on the last Friday of Ramadan to show support for Palestinians worldwide. The IMN has a history of staging demonstrations, often resulting in violent confrontations. In 2015, a military crackdown led to the arrest of the group’s leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, igniting intense protests. Despite his release, the group continues to hold nationwide demonstrations.
Sidi Munir Sokoto, a spokesperson for the IMN, stated that the group’s procession was peaceful, dismissing claims that members provoked the military. “This incident is the latest in a series of events where security forces have abused their power by targeting innocent civilians exercising their legal rights,” Sokoto said.
However, Nigerian police reported that IMN members were armed with firearms, short swords, and catapults. Security forces were responding to a distress call when they allegedly came under “intense gunfire,” resulting in the death of one officer and serious injuries to three others.
Nineteen people were arrested in connection with the clash, and police confirmed that investigations are underway to bring all perpetrators to justice.
Amnesty International condemned the security forces’ response, accusing them of using lethal tactics against the IMN. “Firearms should never be used as a tactical tool for managing demonstrations. Nigerian authorities are obligated under international law to conduct a full, independent investigation into the deaths,” the rights group asserted.
The IMN, a Shiite sect inspired by Iran’s Islamic Revolution, aims to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria through peaceful means. The group represents around 5% of Nigeria’s 100 million Muslims, most of whom are Sunni. However, the Nigerian government banned the IMN in 2019 following violent protests and allegations of extremist ties.
Despite the ban, the IMN continues to organize demonstrations, often met with a heavy-handed response from security forces. The latest clash underscores the group’s ongoing conflict with Nigerian authorities, raising concerns about human rights abuses and the government’s handling of dissent.
