Nigerian police reported coming under heavy gunfire during clashes with Shi’ite Muslim protesters in Abuja on Friday, an incident that left several people dead and renewed concerns over the use of force by security agencies.
The confrontation erupted in the Wuse 2 district of the capital as members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) marched in solidarity with Palestine. IMN has long advocated for the peaceful establishment of an Islamic state in Nigeria, but its protests have frequently been met with violent crackdowns.
Authorities accused the demonstrators of attacking security personnel with firearms and other weapons. “Police and security forces encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in serious injuries to three officers,” said Abuja police spokesperson Josephine Adeh. One security officer was killed, and 19 protesters were arrested, she added.
However, IMN leaders blamed the military for the bloodshed. “This was the military. They must explain why this happened,” said senior IMN member Sidi Munir Sokoto, claiming that five people were killed.
Videos circulating on social media showed protesters waving Palestinian flags and throwing stones at an army vehicle before gunfire erupted. Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an independent investigation. “The army used live ammunition on protesters. It appears they always approach IMN demonstrations with the intent to kill,” said the group’s director, Isa Sanusi, who also reported five deaths.
The Nigerian military has yet to respond to requests for comment.