EXCLUSIVE: Security Agents Plan Coordinated Early Morning Raids On Shiite Communities, El-Zakzaky Supporters' Homes In Abuja –Sources

Security agents are planning coordinated attacks on the homes and properties of followers of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), SaharaReporters has learned.

Sources revealed that the operation is scheduled to take place around 2:00 a.m. on Monday in Abuja and surrounding areas, including Maraba.

According to insiders, security agents have advised their relatives to avoid locations associated with Shiites in Abuja, Maraba, and other areas.

One source disclosed, "There is a planned attack by security agents on residences and facilities of Al-Zakzaky's followers in Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Airport Road, Maraba, etc. They said Monday at 2:00 a.m."

This development follows a violent incident on March 28, 2025, during which at least five IMN members were reportedly killed and many others injured in an attack by the Nigerian Army on a pro-Palestine procession in Abuja.

The procession, held to mark International Quds Day, was organised in solidarity with oppressed communities worldwide, particularly Palestinians.

While the event was conducted peacefully across Nigeria, the Abuja procession turned tragic.

Witnesses reported that the protesters were marching peacefully after observing Juma'at prayers at Banex Plaza when soldiers stationed near the mosque attacked them. The soldiers allegedly used live ammunition, causing fatalities and injuries as people fled to avoid the chaos.

In response, the IMN has vowed to take legal action if the Nigerian government and army fail to release detained members, including over 60 minors.

At a press conference on Friday, the group's legal representatives, Bala Dakum and Yushau Uthman, addressed journalists, condemning the March 28 attack and demanding justice for the victims.

“We are compelled to address you this evening due to the recent, avoidable but unfortunate and brutal attack on our clients – the Shi’ite Muslim faithful,” Dakum said.

“Our clients came out on March 28, 2025 to commemorate their annual International Quds Day like their counterparts across the globe.

“While peacefully carrying out their procession in the Banex area, Wuse II, Abuja, in their thousands, they were unexpectedly confronted by a group of armed soldiers who, without any provocation, began firing live ammunition at them.”

He continued, “As a result of this inhumane, callous, cruel, barbaric and horrific attack, about 26 persons lost their lives, over 30 sustained various degrees of life-threatening injuries, and around 274 were arrested by the soldiers.”

The detained individuals, including minors, were allegedly transferred to the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki.

“Our clients were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, who detained them at the now-defunct SARS facility in Abattoir, Garki, Abuja, under harsh and dehumanising conditions,” he said.

“Despite their dire conditions, they were coerced into writing or signing statements in police custody without legal representation, contrary to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.”

Dakum expressed concern about minors being held in the same cells as suspected criminals.

“Among those arrested and detained were over 60 minors, who have been kept in the same cells as individuals suspected of committing heinous crimes – a clear violation of both the ACJA 2015 and the Child Rights Act,” he said.

He also condemned the continued withholding of corpses by the authorities.

“The corpses are now being kept in undisclosed hospitals, which contravenes Islamic rites that require prompt and immediate burial,” he said.

“This is baffling, considering that the deceased cannot be investigated or tried.”

Amnesty International recently voiced strong concerns over the Nigerian military’s continued use of lethal force against peaceful Quds Day protests organised by the IMN.

The organisation reported that at least five protesters lost their lives, while dozens sustained severe injuries—some potentially life-threatening—during the demonstration in Abuja. Additionally, those wounded were allegedly denied medical treatment.

The human rights group emphasised that Quds Day protests were conducted peacefully in multiple cities across Nigeria, including Kano, Yola, Bauchi, Zaria, and Jos. However, violence erupted exclusively in the nation’s capital.

In a statement, Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the excessive use of force against IMN members, noting a troubling pattern of violent crackdowns.

He recalled a previous incident from December 2015, in which soldiers unlawfully killed 350 IMN members in Zaria and attempted to cover up the massacre.

Sanusi also referenced an October 2018 investigation by Amnesty International, which concluded that at least 45 IMN supporters were killed over two days in Abuja due to the excessive use of force by soldiers and police.

Amnesty International continues to demand accountability for these actions, urging the Nigerian government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and ensure justice for victims of state violence.

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