Shi’ite Group Denies Plot Against US Targets, Schedules Abuja March for Friday

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria, popularly known as the Shi’ite group, on Wednesday dismissed allegations that it plans to attack American citizens or institutions in the country, maintaining that its activities are peaceful and lawful.

The group also announced that it would mark this year’s Quds Day on Friday, March 13, 2026, while also observing the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The announcement follows a recent security advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria warning of a possible terrorist threat targeting American diplomatic facilities and US-affiliated schools in the country.

In the alert released on Tuesday, the embassy advised American citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant when visiting US diplomatic premises and institutions associated with the American government.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the head of the IMN Resource Forum, Prof. Abdullah Danladi, rejected claims that the group or its members were planning attacks, insisting that the movement has never engaged in violence.

He said the Islamic Movement, which began around 1977, has never directed its members to attack anyone.

Danladi also questioned the decision of the US Embassy to issue a public warning rather than report its concerns to Nigerian security agencies for investigation.

According to him, the movement’s annual processions are usually peaceful and only become violent when security agencies intervene.

He explained that last year’s procession ended peacefully because it was not disrupted.

Danladi said the planned Quds Day procession would involve members moving along designated routes, displaying placards and raising awareness about the Palestinian cause.

He added that if security agencies allow the group to carry out the procession without interference, it would proceed peacefully.

Danladi also maintained that the group does not need police permission to organise religious gatherings, arguing that the Constitution guarantees freedom of association and assembly.

He assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the procession would remain peaceful, stressing that the group has always conducted its activities without violence.

Security agencies had earlier increased deployment in parts of Abuja last week amid concerns that members of the Shi’ite movement might stage protests following developments in Iran, although the expected demonstrations did not take place.

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has previously clashed with security operatives during protests in the Federal Capital Territory.

During a similar procession last year marking International Quds Day near Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2, a confrontation occurred between security personnel and members of the group.

The movement claimed that several of its members were killed in the incident, while the police confirmed the death of one officer.