Islamic Movement in Nigeria are protesting in Lagos and Northern States over the reported killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Lagos State, condemning the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during coordinated strikes attributed to the United States and Israel.
The protest in Lagos followed similar demonstrations on Sunday in Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi states, where Shi’ite groups expressed solidarity with Iran and denounced the alleged assassination of the long-serving Iranian leader.
Reports of Khamenei’s Death and Regional Escalation
According to Iranian state and local media, Khamenei was reportedly killed in the early hours of February 28 during joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Several senior Iranian officials were also said to have died in the attacks.
ALSO: US Sanctions Rwanda Military Over M23 Attacks in Congo
Jamaran News Agency further reported that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of the Supreme Leader, succumbed to injuries sustained during the strikes on her residence in Tehran after reportedly falling into a coma.
The developments have intensified tensions across the Middle East, with reports of retaliatory missile launches targeting U.S. bases in Gulf countries. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump stated during a live broadcast that military operations were aimed at key figures within the Iranian leadership.
Lagos Protest Remains Peaceful
In Lagos, demonstrators marched through parts of the Maryland axis, carrying placards and banners condemning what they described as foreign aggression against Iran. The South-West Coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, said the protest would remain peaceful and extend across the geopolitical zone.
Zakariya criticised what he termed repeated interference by the United States in sovereign nations and urged the Nigerian government to reject any presence of U.S. troops in the country.
Participants chanted solidarity messages in support of Iran while security personnel monitored the procession. No breach of peace was recorded.
Demonstrations Across Northern States
In Kano, protesters gathered at the Fegge Central Mosque in Kofar Waika, kneeling on roads, lighting candles, and distributing water and dates to bystanders. Although traffic was temporarily affected, the demonstration ended without incident.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, confirmed that officers were deployed to monitor the protest after receiving intelligence reports. He noted that security personnel escorted participants to ensure calm and prevent unrest.
In Bauchi, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said the demonstration was peaceful, affirming that groups have the constitutional right to protest provided law and order are maintained.
Similarly, in Yobe State, hundreds of Shi’ite Muslims marched through Potiskum, Bade, and Nguru local government areas, carrying portraits of Khamenei and Iranian flags. Security agencies remained on alert, though no major disturbances were reported.
U.S. Issues Security Advisory
Meanwhile, the United States government issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria and globally following escalating hostilities with Iran. The advisory urged Americans to remain vigilant, anticipate possible travel disruptions due to airspace closures, and enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates.
The U.S. State Department also advised increased caution worldwide as the situation continues to evolve.
Calls for Calm
While protesters voiced strong opposition to the reported strikes, several IMN leaders across states urged members to remain peaceful and law-abiding. They emphasised that the demonstrations were intended to express solidarity and grievances rather than incite violence.
As regional tensions remain high, Nigerian security agencies continue to monitor developments to prevent any escalation within the country.
