Northern states witness protests over Iran leader’s death

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shi’ites and led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, on Sunday staged protests across several northern states over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.

Demonstrations were recorded in Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Sokoto states, as protesters marched in solidarity with Iran, chanting slogans and displaying placards condemning the attack.

Gombe Protest

In Gombe, IMN members converged after prayers and marched from their religious centre in Tudun Wadan Pantami. Placards bearing inscriptions denouncing the airstrikes were displayed, while protesters called for justice.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Sheikh Muhammad Abbari Gombe described the strike as unfortunate and urged followers to remain calm and law-abiding while expressing their grievances peacefully. Security operatives were visibly deployed across parts of the metropolis during the procession.

Protests Spread to Other States

Similar protests were reported in Kano, Bauchi, Yobe and Niger states, where demonstrators waved Iranian flags and carried placards reading “We Stand With Iran” and other anti-US and anti-Israel messages.

In Sokoto, some Muslim groups also reportedly staged demonstrations, condemning the killing and expressing solidarity with Iran.

In a statement circulated among supporters, the IMN expressed deep sorrow over Khamenei’s death and vowed continued support for Iran, describing the strike as Western interference in Middle Eastern affairs.

Police Heighten Surveillance Nationwide

Following the protests, the Nigeria Police Force ordered heightened surveillance across the country.

The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify intelligence gathering, particularly in the North Central, North East and North West zones.

According to Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the IGP emphasised proactive policing, collaboration with religious and traditional leaders, and enhanced visibility around worship centres and public spaces.

The police warned that Nigeria would not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts and vowed to resist any attempt to import ideological or sectarian tensions into the country.

Islamic Groups React

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, condemned the killing, describing it as unlawful aggression. The group urged Nigerian Muslims to remain peaceful, law-abiding and vigilant.

Similarly, the Ummah Movement at the National Islamic Centre in Zaria criticised the US and Israel, calling on the Nigerian government to review any military agreements with the two countries.

Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Ahmad Gumi described Khamenei as “a lucky soul” who died defending oppressed people, adding that his death would have far-reaching consequences for the Muslim tensions.

Embassy Issues Advisory

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait urged Nigerians residing in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, stay alert and comply with safety directives from local authorities amid rising Middle East tensions.