Security agencies on Wednesday deployed heavily across parts of Abuja over a possible protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
At Berger Roundabout, several patrol vehicles belonging to the military, police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed, with armed personnel manning the area. Gun trucks from the Guards Brigade were also sighted at the location.
Our correspondent observed security operatives conducting stop-and-search operations on vehicles and commuters, leading to traffic snarls and slowed vehicular movement around the axis.
Similar deployments were witnessed along the Kubwa Expressway, Nyanya-Maraba axis and parts of the city centre to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
The IMN and security agencies have a history of clashes during protests in the Federal Capital Territory.
In one of the group’s demonstrations last year, a violent clash occurred between security operatives and IMN members during a procession marking International Quds Day near Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2.
The group claimed some of its members were killed, while the police confirmed the death of an officer.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the group’s lawyer, Abdullahi Musa, said there was no plan to stage a protest in Abuja, describing the heavy deployment as unnecessary.
“The entire thing is laughable. We never had intentions of protesting in Abuja. We had a meeting today and were shocked when we saw the advisory by the U.S. Even if we plan to do our demonstrations, not even the deployment can stop us,” he said.
The group had earlier protested in Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe and Lagos states, condemning what it described as joint U.S.–Israel aggression against Iran.
During a procession in Niger State on Sunday led by IMN leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, demonstrators waved Iranian flags and chanted solidarity slogans.
Amid the tension, the United States Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday warned its citizens of a high potential for protests in the capital over the Middle East conflict.
The embassy noted that previous protests had resulted in violent clashes and advised its citizens to remain indoors and avoid areas where protests might occur.
It also announced the cancellation of all visa appointments scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, stating that affected applicants would be contacted for rescheduling.
“Due to the potential for protests in Abuja, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja has cancelled all visa appointments on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Applicants will be contacted with information on how to reschedule. Please monitor our website and social media channels for further updates,” the statement read.
In a related development, the IMN defended its protests in solidarity with Iran, describing them as peaceful expressions of its long-standing opposition to what it termed aggression against Muslim nations.
The President of the Media Forum of the movement, Malam Ammar Muhammad, told The PUNCH in Kaduna that the protests followed alleged attacks involving Israel and the United States against Iran.
He said the movement, under the leadership of El-Zakzaky, had for decades focused on advocacy and religious teachings, adding that its solidarity with Iran was consistent with its historical position.
Muhammad maintained that the protest was peaceful and aimed at expressing solidarity without resorting to violence.
“The general public should understand that this protest is not a defensive action but a clarification of our position. It is meant to correct misconceptions and reaffirm our historical stance against oppression and oppressors,” the movement said.
The President of the Media Forum of the movement, Malam Ammar Muhammad, disclosed this while speaking with Newsmen in Kaduna.
Muhammad said the protests which erupted in parts of the North, followed what he alleged were attacks involving Israel and the United States against Iran.
“The Media Forum of the Islamic Movement under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky wishes to state clearly the purpose of the peaceful protests in solidarity with the people of Iran and other people of conscience,” he said.
He explained that the movement, under Zakzaky’s leadership, had for nearly five decades focused on advocacy, religious teaching and raising public awareness on issues bordering on justice and social reform.
According to him, the IMN advocates what it considers a just social order rooted in Islamic principles.
“Historically, the movement has consistently stood with oppressed people across the world, from the East to the West,” Muhammad stated.
He alleged that global powers, particularly Western nations, had contributed to geopolitical challenges confronting Muslims, Africans and other developing societies.
The spokesperson added that internal disunity within many nations often served what he described as the strategic interests of dominant global actors.
Muhammad maintained that the movement’s solidarity with Iran was not a recent development but consistent with its historical posture.
“It has always spoken against aggression targeting Muslim countries and other oppressed communities whenever such incidents occur,” he said.
While acknowledging that many adherents of the movement are Shi’a Muslims, he insisted that the IMN should not be viewed strictly as a sectarian organisation.
“It is not a sectarian or rigid religious organisation. It is a broad movement that accommodates people of diverse backgrounds who share its ideological vision,” he explained.
He noted that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, holds both political and religious significance within Shi’a Islam.
“In this regard, Sayyid Ali Khamenei is not only regarded as a political leader but also serves as a religious reference in Shi’a Islam, similar to how the Pope serves as a spiritual authority in the Catholic Church,” Muhammad added.
He stressed that the protest was peaceful and aimed solely at expressing solidarity and registering grievances without resorting to violence.