Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and operatives of the Nigerian army on Friday clashed at the popular Banex Plaza in Abuja, resulting in a gun battle that left many residents in fear.
The violence, TheNewsGuru understands took place during a procession to commemorate the International Qudus Day in Abuja.
According to an eyewitness, the members held banners as they marched through Aminu Kano Crescent in the Wuse district of Abuja.
“They (Shiites) were marching through Banex, all of a sudden we started hearing gunshots near the Eterna filling station. Turns out the protesters were exchanging gunfire with the soldiers.”
A memo issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser to all security agencies in the FCT and Nasarawa state, urging them to closely monitor the activities of the sect.
The memo read, “Available information revealed that the outlawed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has scheduled Friday, 28 March 2025 for a procession in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to commemorate the International Qudus Day.
“The procession is aimed at showing solidarity with Palestinians and to discredit the Nigerian Government. To this end, members of the sect from Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe and Plateau States have started arriving at the sect’s camp at Rugan Juli, Karu ahead of the procession in FCT.
“Given the violent disposition of Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Zakzaky led IMN, indications are that elements of the group may exploit the mass procession to protest against USA and Israel interests across northern States, notably Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Bauchi, Gombe, Nasarawa, Yobe, Adamawa, Sokoto and the FCT.
“Against this backdrop, it is imperative to closely monitor activities of IMN elements across the Northern States and FCT given the group’s violent antecedents. It is also necessary to ensure adequate security around the USA and Israeli Embassies in Lagos and Abuja, as well as key assets belonging to their nationals across the country.
“Furthermore, it is expedient to ensure adequate security deployment before, during and after the planned procession across the highlighted cities to preempt possible eruption of violent protest against USA and Israel. In view of the foregoing, I am directed to most respectfully request you note the development for necessary action.”