The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as Shi’ites, has denied allegations that it plans to attack American citizens or facilities in the country.
The group also announced that it would hold its annual Quds Day procession in Abuja on Friday, March 13, 2026, to show solidarity with Palestinians and mourn the death of Iranian leader, Ali Khamenei.
The clarification follows a recent security advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria warning of a possible terrorist threat against American diplomatic facilities and US-linked schools in the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the head of the IMN Resource Forum, Prof. Abdullah Danladi, rejected the allegation, insisting that the group had never been involved in violence.
“In the history of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria since its emergence around 1977, we have never attacked anyone or instructed anyone to attack others,” Danladi said.
“We had never done that, and we will never do it. It is not in our character, and it is not part of our religious teachings.”
Danladi questioned why the US Embassy chose to issue a public warning instead of reporting its concerns to Nigerian security agencies for investigation.
“If there was any credible threat, the embassy should have reported it to the Nigerian police so that those responsible could be investigated and apprehended,” he said.
He explained that the group’s annual processions are usually peaceful and only become violent when security forces intervene.
“Last year, when security agencies did not disrupt our procession, everything went smoothly and ended peacefully,” he added.
Danladi said the Quds Day event would involve members marching through designated routes, carrying placards and educating the public about the Palestinian cause.
“What we normally do is walk along the streets, carry placards and speak to people about the Palestinian issue. If security agencies allow us to carry out our activities peacefully as they did last year, there will be no problem,” he said.
He also argued that the group does not require police approval to hold religious gatherings, citing constitutional rights to freedom of assembly.
“There is no law that says citizens must seek permission from the police before gathering to conduct their lawful activities,” he stated.
Danladi further reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the planned procession would remain peaceful.
“People should be assured that our activities are peaceful. As long as we are not attacked, nothing untoward will happen,” he said.
Security presence had recently been increased in parts of Abuja amid fears of possible protests by Shi’ite members following developments in Iran, although no demonstrations were recorded at the time.
The IMN has had a history of confrontations with security operatives during past demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory.
During a procession marking International Quds Day last year near Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2, a clash between security forces and IMN members resulted in casualties on both sides, with the group claiming the loss of some of its members while the police confirmed the death of one officer.
