The members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, has accused the Nigerian Army of killing at least five of its members during the annual celebration of International Quds Day.

DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the day is designated by Imam Khomeini (QS) as a day of significance in solidarity with the oppressed people of the world, particularly the Palestinians.

A statement issued by Sidi Munir on behalf of the movement said the organisation under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has been observing the global ceremony for the past 40 years in Nigeria.

The statement partly reads, “We wish to draw the attention of the general public to the fact that a team of the Nigerian Army [the Guard Brigade] attacked the procession using live ammunition. Many sustained gunshot life-threatening injuries, and some lost their lives as a result of the brutality.

“There was no form of provocation from the participants warranting the brutality. In fact, they were marching peacefully from a mosque in Banex Plaza, where they observed the juma’at prayer heading to Wuse Market; then the army blocked the way with an armoured vehicle and started shooting at the participants, mostly women and minors.

He said the incident is the latest in a series of similar events, where security forces “have been abusing their power by targeting innocent civilians who are exercising their legal rights”.

“As at the time of writing this article, we could not confirm the exact number of those killed, injured and arrested; however, from the information we reliably obtained from eyewitnesses, the figure of those killed is around 5 people or thereabouts. Nevertheless, we will update the public in due course.

“We call on relevant authorities to investigate this incident and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected. The freedom to peaceful assembly is an inalienable constitutional right that must not be violated,” Mr Munir added.

Also speaking to DAILY NIGERIAN a spokesman for the group, Abdullahi Musa, denied claims by the Nigerian Police Force that members of the sect attacked and killed security personnel.

“We actually don’t know about that. We were not armed; there is no way we can kill someone carrying a gun… Any time they killed us, they will say we attacked them.

“How can an unarmed person carrying placards marching on the street with his wife and children attack fully armed soldiers? These soldiers came with an armoured vehicle.

“If there is any death or casualty from the side of the security, it should be a stray bullet from their colleagues,” Mr Musa added.

Meanwhile , the Nigerian Police Force has confirmed the arrest of 19 suspects in connection to the clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN and the military

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Saka Adewale, in a statement said members of the sect violently attacked security forces leading to the death of one officer.

He said the deceased died at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The statement which was signed by the command spokesman Josephine Adeh reads,

“On March 28, 2025, at approximately 2:20 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting a violent assault on security personnel by IMN members armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other lethal weapons in the Banex Area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

“Upon swift deployment to the scene, police and security personnel encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in the serious injury of three security operatives. They were promptly transported to the National Hospital, where one was tragically pronounced dead.

“Nineteen suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident, while others managed to escape. Normalcy has since been fully restored, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

“CP Ajao Saka Adewale emphasised that actions are being implemented to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act,” the statement added.