Protests Across Nigeria Over Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader
Members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged a peaceful protest in Lagos State, condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during strikes by the United States and Israel. This development follows reports that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, the wife of the Iranian leader, died from injuries sustained in recent attacks on her residence in Tehran.
According to the Jamaran News Agency, Bagherzadeh had slipped into a coma after being injured in the attacks but succumbed to her wounds on March 2. Her death coincided with claims that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed during coordinated US and Israeli strikes on February 28. Several other senior figures of the Iranian regime were also reportedly killed in the attack.
The protests in Lagos occurred on Monday, following similar demonstrations by Shi’ites in Kano, Yobe, Gombe, and Bauchi states on Sunday. In Lagos, demonstrators marched through parts of the Maryland axis, carrying placards and banners denouncing what they described as an “invasion” of Iran and the targeted assassination of the long-serving Iranian leader.
Peaceful Demonstrations and Calls for Solidarity
South-West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, emphasized that the protest would remain peaceful and continue across the South-West geopolitical zone. The protesters chanted solidarity with Iran and expressed strong opposition to the actions of the United States and Israel. Zakariya criticized the US government for its involvement in Nigeria, claiming that terrorism has increased since their intervention. He cited Venezuela as an example of foreign interference and urged the Federal Government to reject the presence of US troops in the country.
Another leader of the movement, Muhammadu Bashir, said the protest aimed to register concerns over the killing of Iranian leaders. In Gombe, IMN leader Muhammad Abbari condemned the attack on Khamenei, calling it “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He urged followers to remain calm and law-abiding, emphasizing that the protest was organized to demonstrate solidarity, not to incite violence.
Security personnel monitored parts of the metropolis during the procession, but no breaches of peace were recorded as the protest ended without incident.
Heightened Security Measures in Kano and Other States
In Kano, the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, heightened security measures following the protests. Although the Shi’ite group did not notify the police of their planned demonstration, intelligence led to the deployment of personnel to ensure a peaceful gathering. Bakori stated that officers escorted the protesters to avoid unrest, especially during the evening when people are fasting.
In Bauchi, the PPRO, Nafiu Habib, affirmed that the demonstration was conducted without any reported incidents. He noted that the Shi’ites have the right to peaceful protest and that the demonstration was peaceful. Ahmad Yashi, speaking on behalf of IMN in Bauchi, said the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader would not bring peace but would instead aggravate the situation. He praised Islam as a religion of peace and blamed Western powers for global unrest.
Protests in Yobe and Global Solidarity
In Yobe, hundreds of Shi’ite Muslims marched through the streets of Potiskum, Bade, and Nguru, mourning the death of their spiritual leader in Iran. Demonstrators carried portraits of Khamenei, waved Iranian flags, and burned the flags of the United States and Israel. Abdullahi Hassan, one of the protest leaders, declared that the killing of their leader was a painful moment but vowed to remain united and committed. He emphasized that the burning of flags was a symbolic act of defiance against oppression.
The protests lasted for several hours, with demonstrators chanting slogans, holding placards, and waving pictures of Khamenei.
US Security Alert and Escalating Tensions
Meanwhile, the United States issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria following escalating hostilities between the US and Iran. The advisory warned Americans abroad to remain vigilant and exercise increased caution due to ongoing military operations involving Iran. It also advised citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and follow the US Department of State Security Updates for U.S. Citizens WhatsApp channel for further information.
Iran has reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting U.S. bases in Gulf countries, vowing to avenge the death of its Supreme Leader and other regime officials. US President Donald Trump, speaking during the attacks, stated his determination to eliminate members of the Iranian regime and called on Iranian citizens to take control of their government once military operations concluded.
