U.S issues advisory as Islamic Movement in Nigeria protests erupt over Iran crisis

The United States Department of State has alerted its citizens in Nigeria to heighten vigilance following escalating hostilities between Washington and Tehran, as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged protests in several states, including Lagos State.

The advisory came on Monday amid reports by Iranian state and local media that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in coordinated strikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel. Reports also indicated that his wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, died from injuries sustained during the attacks in Tehran after slipping into a coma.

In Lagos, IMN members under their South-West leadership marched through parts of the Maryland axis, carrying placards and banners condemning what they described as an invasion of Iran and the targeted killing of its long-serving leader.

South-West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, said the protest would remain peaceful and extend across the region. He maintained that the action was organised to express concern over what he termed repeated invasions of sovereign nations by the US administration and urged the Federal Government to reject any presence of American troops in Nigeria. Zakariya further alleged that terrorism had worsened in parts of the country following US involvement in Nigeria’s affairs.

Similar demonstrations were recorded on Sunday in Kano State, Yobe State, Gombe State and Bauchi State.

In Gombe, an IMN leader, Muhammad Abbari, described the reported killing of Khamenei as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

Abbari said, “We strongly condemn any attack on a religious and political leader of such standing.

“However, we urge our followers to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding in the expression of their concerns.”

He emphasised that the protest was organised to demonstrate solidarity and not to incite violence.

“Our action today is purely peaceful. We are here to register our grievances and show solidarity, nothing more,” Abbari added.

In Kano, members of the group gathered at the Fegge Central Mosque in Kofar Waika, kneeling on major roads, lighting candles and distributing water and dates to bystanders while mourning the reported death of the Iranian leader. Although traffic was temporarily disrupted, the procession ended without incident.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, confirmed that security operatives were deployed after intelligence reports indicated plans for the protest.

“Our men escorted them to ensure the peaceful take-off of the protests and to avoid any unrest. You know it was evening, people are fasting,” he said.

Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Kiyawa added that the command was closely monitoring developments and engaging community leaders to prevent escalation.

In Bauchi, the police spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said authorities observed the demonstration and recorded no breach of peace.

“Like every Nigerian individual or group, the Shi’ites have the right to peaceful demonstration. We are aware that yesterday they conducted the same in Bauchi,” Habib said.

“What we witnessed was peaceful, and up till now, we have not recorded any breakdown of law and order,” he added.

An IMN member in Bauchi, Ahmad Yashi, warned that the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader would intensify tensions rather than restore calm.

“We are with Iran in heart and soul. They are targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader to make the country surrender, but they are mistaken. The Supreme Leader, as a religious authority, is among those dousing tensions,” he said.

Yashi added, “Islam is a peaceful religion, but the West is the problem. They are selfish and want everyone to bow to them. This will not happen; those days are gone.”

He further stated, “Yesterday, we conducted a peaceful demonstration in support of Iran, and every Muslim must take a side in this war. You are either with the righteous or with the oppressors.”

In Yobe, protesters marched through Potiskum, Bade and Nguru local government areas, carrying portraits of Khamenei and waving Iranian flags. Some demonstrators burnt US and Israeli flags during the procession.

Addressing the crowd, protest leader Abdullahi Hassan said, “We are shocked and devastated over the killing of our leader. This is a painful moment not only for us in Yobe but for Shiites across the world. Yet we will not be broken. We will continue to stand firm, and our voices will not be silenced. This is the beginning of our victory, and we will honour the legacy of our leader in every action we take.”

He added, “We burn the flags of the United States and Israel not out of hatred but to show that we will never bow to oppression. The sons and daughters of Khamenei remain strong, committed, and united. Our faith is our strength, and our resolve is unshakable.”

Meanwhile, the US government urged its citizens to remain cautious worldwide following what it described as the launch of combat operations in Iran.

“Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory stated.

The alert warned that periodic airspace closures could disrupt travel and advised Americans to exercise increased caution. It encouraged citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates and to monitor official security channels.

The advisory followed Iranian reports confirming the deaths of Khamenei and other senior officials in the strikes. In retaliation, Iran was said to have launched missiles targeting US bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia.

US President Donald Trump, speaking during a live broadcast while the strikes were ongoing, said he was determined to eliminate members of the Iranian regime and urged Iranian citizens to take control of their government after military operations conclude.