Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), better known as Shi’ites, led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, organized protests across Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, and Sokoto states on Sunday. This demonstration was in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to a collaborative airstrike by the United States and Israel.
The Nigeria Police Force responded to the rising tensions by ordering police commissioners in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to increase surveillance nationwide.
Specifically, the directive emphasized focusing on the North Central, North East, and North West regions of Nigeria, in light of the conflicts stemming from the Middle East.
The Shi’ite community maintains strong ties with Iran, sharing religious beliefs and history, with Iran considered a pivotal center for Shi’a Islam globally.
In preparation for potential unrest, Nigerian security forces are accustomed to mobilizing in response to any movements made by the IMN, particularly voicing their support for Iran during significant events.
Reports have indicated protests also occurred in Kano, Bauchi, and Yobe States on the same day. Demonstrators in Gombe assembled after attending prayers and marched from their religious center located in the Tudun Wadan Pantami area of the city. They carried placards denouncing Khamenei's assassination and calling for justice.
Representing the protesting group, Sheikh Muhammad Abbari Gombe condemned the US-Israeli strikes, calling them unfortunate and unacceptable. He urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and law-abiding while expressing their views.
The protest was aimed at registering discontent and displaying solidarity with the people of Iran.
In Niger State, another gathering was reported where participants marched with Iranian flags and placards bearing slogans such as “We Stand With Iran” and “Free Iran,” alongside messages condemning the actions of the US and Israel.
The IMN expressed profound sorrow regarding Khamenei's martyrdom in a statement to supporters, promising ongoing solidarity with Iran while opposing what they perceive as Western meddling in Middle Eastern affairs.
Similarly, Muslims in Sokoto State held protests chanting slogans in support of Khamenei.
Following the IMN's protests, acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered increased vigilance across Nigeria. This directive outlined the necessity for police commissioners to focus on the North Central, North East, and North West due to the geopolitical developments linked to the airstrikes against Iran.
Disu instructed police to enhance collaboration with traditional and religious figures, boost the visibility of law enforcement around places of worship and public areas, and promptly counter any attempts by groups or individuals looking to exploit global tensions to incite disorder.
A statement from the Inspector-General of Police emphasized the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and properties, assuring citizens that Nigeria would not serve as a battleground for foreign disputes. Any effort to instigate external ideological or religious conflicts will be met with stringent legal repercussions.
The Inspector-General called for community leaders to promote peace and for citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, advising them to report any suspicious activities to the police.
The Ummah Movement, based at the National Islamic Centre in Zaria, voiced outrage at the US-Israeli military strikes, condemning them, especially for occurring during Ramadan. They called on the Nigerian government to denounce the violence and annul any military agreements with the US and Israel.
The NIC urged Muslim nations in the Middle East to close American military bases and expel US soldiers to restore peace, warning that only decisive action against the US and Israel could avert a broader conflict potentially involving superpowers like Russia and China.
The NIC also criticized the US and Israel for their military actions, claiming they aim for regime change while engaging in deceptive negotiations with Iran.
In the wake of reported missile sightings by Nigerians in Kuwait during the strikes, the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait has advised Nigerians there and in Bahrain to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols set by local authorities, ensuring that they follow the latest communications from their governments.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) called the killing of Khamenei outrageous and a violation of international law, urging Nigerian Muslims to remain peaceful and vigilant. They stressed that the violent act reflects a dangerous shift in international relations.
Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi described Khamenei's death as an act of courage in defense of oppressed individuals and emphasized that it would galvanize change within the Muslim community.
Gumi expressed that the slain leader’s life was a testament to justice, noting that his sacrifice would not be forgotten in the struggle against oppression.
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