Scores of Shia Muslims on Friday staged a pro-Iran protest in Abuja, chanting anti-United States and anti-Israel slogans despite a heavy security presence around the nation’s capital.
The protesters, numbering about 200, gathered shortly after Friday prayers at the Abuja National Mosque. Witnesses said demonstrators carried images of the late Iranian ayatollah and chanted “Shame to America, shame to Israel,” as police officers monitored the situation within the mosque premises.
The rally was organised by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a pro-Iran Shia group that represents a minority among Nigeria’s predominantly Sunni Muslim population. The group has been outlawed by Nigerian authorities since 2019 over allegations that it seeks to promote an Islamic revolution in the country.
However, analysts at the time of the ban noted that the movement had largely focused on protests rather than organised political violence.
Friday’s demonstration appeared to catch security operatives by surprise, as participants gathered within the mosque grounds before dispersing peacefully after about 15 minutes.
The protest comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following weeks of intense bombardments involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict reportedly escalated after the killing of Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, triggering widespread reactions among Iran’s supporters globally.
The IMN had earlier organised marches in several northern Nigerian cities on March 1 shortly after the bombing campaign began.
Security concerns have also prompted precautionary measures in Abuja. Last week, the United States Embassy temporarily closed, citing the possibility of protests linked to attempts by the IMN to stage demonstrations in the capital.
On Friday morning, motorists experienced heavy traffic on roads leading into Abuja as security checkpoints and an increased deployment of security personnel slowed movement across the city.
The Nigerian government has previously clashed with the IMN during protests. In one incident last year, at least 11 protesters and one soldier were killed during a confrontation between security forces and demonstrators, according to an intelligence report.
Authorities, protesters and human rights groups have continued to dispute the circumstances surrounding the violence.
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