Nigerian military and police battle with Shi’ite demonstrators in Abuja

On Saturday, Nigerian police stated that they had been subjected to heavy gunfire the day before in an area of the capital, Abuja, following clashes between security personnel and Shi’ite Muslim demonstrators that resulted in many reported fatalities.

Deadly conflicts between security forces and members of the outlawed Shi’ite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), which calls for the peaceful creation of an Islamic state in the most populous country in Africa, have occurred in Nigeria in the past.

Dozens of the group’s members participated in a solidarity march for Palestine on Friday, but as they battled with police and troops, violence broke out.

According to critics, Nigerian security forces have been using more and more force—including live ammunition—to put an end to protests, which they claim has the potential to radicalize organizations like IMN.

In a statement released on Saturday, police charged that the demonstrators had engaged in “a violent assault” on security guards in Abuja’s Wuse 2 neighborhood who were carrying guns and other deadly weapons.

“Police and security personnel encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in the serious injury of three security operatives,” stated Josephine Adeh, the Abuja police spokesman.

He added that 19 individuals had been taken into custody and that one member of the security forces had killed.

Videos that went viral on social media site X showed demonstrators hurling stones at an army vehicle and waving a Palestinian flag before shooting could be heard.

Senior IMN member Sidi Munir Sokoto claimed the protest was peaceful but blamed the military for the violence. He estimated that five people had died.

“The military was involved. Why this occurred must be explained by the (military) leadership,” Sokoto stated.

A request for comment was not answered by an army spokesperson.
Amnesty International Nigeria’s director, Isa Sanusi, demanded an unbiased inquiry.

“The demonstrators were subjected to live ammunition by the army. Sanusi told Reuters, “It seems like they always approach IMN protesters with the intent to kill,” adding that five people have died.