Shi'ite Protests Erupt in Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, and Kaduna Amid Iran-US-Israel Tensions
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), widely known as Shi'ites, have staged protests at the National Mosque in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Friday, March 13, 2026. The demonstrations expressed strong support for Iran and condemned the United States and Israel, reflecting escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Protests Spread Across Multiple States
The group initiated the protest after attending regular Friday prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja. According to reports from The Cable, the protesters began by shouting "Allahu Akbar" and quickly gathered around 200 supporters. The crowd grew as they chanted slogans such as "shame to Israel," "shame to America," and "we support Iran." Similarly, the IMN staged identical protests at the Idimota Central Mosque in Lagos and on the streets of Bauchi and Kaduna states, amplifying their message across Nigeria.
Background of Middle East Escalation
These protests come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following a military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a joint US-Israel attack resulted in the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This event has triggered ongoing conflicts, with Iran retaliating by attacking US and Israeli facilities in neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Dubai. In response, the US designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization on Monday, March 9, 2026, alleging ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Previous Protests and Regional Impact
Last week, the Shi'ite group conducted similar protests in at least eight Nigerian states, including Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Yobe. During these demonstrations, protesters marched through areas like the Maryland axis, carrying banners and placards to denounce what they termed an "invasion" of Iran and the targeted killing of its leader. The ongoing unrest has contributed to regional tension, with the IMN consistently voicing opposition to foreign military actions in the Middle East.
This series of protests highlights the global ripple effects of Middle East conflicts, as Nigerian Shi'ites rally in solidarity with Iran against perceived aggression from the US and Israel.
