Nigerian police have reported intense gunfire during clashes with Shi’ite Muslim protesters in Abuja, the country’s capital, on Friday, March 29, 2025. The violent confrontation, which resulted in multiple fatalities, has reignited concerns about the use of excessive force by security forces against the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).
 |
| Clashes Between Nigerian Police and Shi’ite Protesters Leave Several Dead |
The clashes erupted when dozens of IMN members marched in solidarity with Palestine, an event that was intended to be peaceful. However, tensions escalated when security forces, including soldiers and police officers, confronted the protesters.
According to police spokesperson Josephine Adeh, the protesters launched a "violent assault" on security forces in Abuja’s Wuse 2 neighbourhood, forcing officers to retaliate.
"Police and security personnel encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in the serious injury of three security operatives," she said.
One member of the security forces reportedly died, and 19 suspects were arrested.
While the police claim that security personnel were the victims of a violent attack, IMN leaders have strongly disputed this narrative. Senior IMN member Sidi Munir Sokoto accused the military of initiating the violence, stating that the protest was entirely peaceful before soldiers opened fire.
"This was the military. The (military) leadership must explain why this happened," Sokoto asserted.
He also claimed that at least five IMN members were killed in the violence. Amnesty International Nigeria, represented by its director Isa Sanusi, supported this figure, stating that the army used live ammunition on protesters with an apparent intent to kill.
"It appears they approach IMN protesters always with the intent to kill," Sanusi told Reuters.
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has been at odds with Nigerian security forces for years. The group, which advocates for the peaceful establishment of an Islamic state, was banned in 2019 following repeated clashes with security forces. Critics argue that the government’s approach of violently suppressing IMN protests has only fueled further tensions, potentially radicalizing members.
International human rights organizations have long criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of protests, accusing security forces of using unnecessary force. Amnesty International and other rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the Abuja incident.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow THE MIRASPECT's WhatsApp channel for a daily dose
of breaking news on the go!
As of now, the Nigerian military has not issued a statement regarding its role in the clashes. The incident has further deepened concerns about political and religious tensions in the country, raising fears of future confrontations between security forces and Shi’ite protesters.
0 Comments