Nigerian Shi’ites Condemn “Invasion” of Iran and Warn of Rising Terrorism Linked to Foreign Military Presence

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, has begun conducting peaceful protests in several states over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated United States and Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026.

Demonstrations took place in Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Sokoto, and Niger states, with participants expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning what they described as foreign aggression against a sovereign nation.

In Lagos on March 2, the South-West leadership of the IMN marched through the Maryland area, carrying placards and banners denouncing the strikes as an “invasion” and targeted assassination. South-West coordinator Muftau Zakariya stated the protests would remain peaceful and extend across the region. He criticised sustained US interventions in sovereign countries, citing Venezuela as an example, and urged the Nigerian government to reject the presence of US troops domestically. Zakariya claimed terrorism in Nigeria had increased since US involvement, pointing to recent attacks in Kwara State. Another IMN leader, Muhammadu Bashir, said the actions aimed to register concerns over the deaths of Iranian leaders.

Similar demonstrations occurred on March 1 in northern states. In Kano, protesters gathered at Fegge Central Mosque in Kofar Waika around 2:30 p.m., kneeling on roads, halting traffic, carrying white shrouds, lighting candles, and distributing water and dates. The procession ended peacefully by 4:00 p.m., with police escorting participants to prevent unrest during Ramadan fasting hours. Kano Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori said officers deployed based on intelligence, despite no prior notification from organisers, and continued monitoring to maintain order.

In Gombe, IMN leader Muhammad Abbari described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” condemning assaults on religious and political leaders while urging calm and law-abiding conduct. He stressed the protests demonstrated solidarity without inciting violence. Bauchi PPRO Nafiu Habib confirmed the demonstration proceeded without incident, affirming the group’s right to peaceful assembly. Ahmad Yashi, an IMN member in Bauchi, said the killing would aggravate tensions rather than resolve them, describing Khamenei as a figure who doused conflicts. He blamed Western powers for global unrest and affirmed support for Iran.

In Yobe, hundreds marched in Potiskum, Bade, and Nguru local government areas, carrying portraits of Khamenei, waving Iranian flags, and burning US and Israeli flags. Leader Abdullahi Hassan expressed shock and devastation, vowing the movement would remain united and honour Khamenei’s legacy. He framed the flag-burning as opposition to oppression rather than hatred.

Security forces monitored events nationwide without recorded breaches. In Kaduna, police deployed heavily and advised against protests, preventing any gatherings.

The protests coincide with a US security alert issued to American citizens in Nigeria on March 2, urging vigilance amid ongoing military operations involving Iran. The advisory recommended following embassy guidance, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and exercising increased caution due to potential travel disruptions from airspace closures and regional instability.

Reports from Iranian sources, including Jamaran News Agency, also confirmed the death of Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of the Supreme Leader, on March 2 from injuries sustained in strikes on their Tehran residence. She had reportedly slipped into a coma before succumbing.

The demonstrations reflect solidarity among Nigerian Shi’ite communities with Iran following the reported deaths of Khamenei and other senior figures. Organizers consistently emphasised peaceful intent, with no incidents of violence reported across locations.

The events occur against the backdrop of heightened Middle East tensions, including retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks on US and allied targets in the Persian Gulf. No official Nigerian government response to the protests or the US alert has been reported.