Gun Battle Erupts Between IMN Members and Soldiers at Banex Plaza, Abuja

A gun battle clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and soldiers broke out on Friday afternoon at Banex Plaza in Abuja, sparking a gun battle that sent residents and business owners into panic. The confrontation came just hours after the United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security alert, warning of planned IMN demonstrations in Abuja and other major cities on March 28, 2025.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported chaotic scenes of gunfire, people fleeing for safety, and widespread fear as soldiers and IMN protesters clashed in what is being described as one of the most intense confrontations in recent months.

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US Embassy Issued Warning Before the Clash

In a security advisory released earlier in the day, the US Embassy warned its citizens in Nigeria of potential disruptions and security threats related to planned IMN protests. The advisory highlighted the risks of roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and possible physical confrontations, urging US nationals to exercise caution.

The alert listed several locations as potential hotspots for IMN demonstrations, including:

• Banex Plaza (where the violence later erupted).
• Berger Junction
• Unity Fountain
• National Human Rights Commission Head Office
• Eagle Square
• Area 10 Shopping Plaza
• National Mosque
• Al-Noor Mosque
• Fouad Lababidi Mosque

While the exact cause of the clash remains unclear, security analysts believe IMN members may have gathered at Banex Plaza as part of their planned protests, leading to a confrontation with security forces.

Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Chaos at Banex Plaza

Eyewitnesses described a tense and frightening situation as gunfire rang out between IMN members and soldiers, forcing shop owners and pedestrians to run for safety.

“I was inside my shop when I heard gunshots. People started running, and there was confusion everywhere,” said a trader at Banex Plaza.

Another resident who witnessed the incident stated, “We saw armed soldiers confronting the protesters. The next thing we heard were gunshots, and people started screaming and running in different directions.”

According to unconfirmed reports, several people sustained injuries, although the exact number of casualties remains unknown.

Tensions Between IMN and Security Forces

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite movement, has a long history of clashes with Nigerian security forces. The movement, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has been involved in several protests demanding the release of their leader, who was previously detained by the Nigerian government.

Over the years, confrontations between IMN members and security forces have resulted in violent clashes, arrests, and casualties, with authorities often accusing the group of disrupting public order.

No Official Statement From Police or Military

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain official statements from security agencies regarding the incident have been unsuccessful.

Attempts to reach the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to her went unanswered.

Security sources suggest that the military was deployed to contain the protest, but the situation quickly escalated into violence, prompting the use of firearms.

Fear of Escalation and Security Concerns in Abuja

The violent confrontation at Banex Plaza has raised concerns about security in Abuja, especially as IMN protests continue to be met with harsh crackdowns by security forces.

There are fears that the violence could spread to other parts of the city, particularly at other protest hotspots identified in the US Embassy alert.

Residents have called on security agencies to restore order and prevent further violence, while some have criticized the government’s approach to handling IMN protests, arguing that the use of force often worsens tensions.

Calls for Investigation and Restraint

Civil society groups and human rights activists have called for a full investigation into the clash, urging both the government and IMN members to exercise restraint to prevent further bloodshed.

A security analyst, speaking on the incident, warned that Nigeria must adopt a different approach to managing protests to avoid further unrest.

“There needs to be a strategy to engage groups like the IMN in dialogue rather than allowing every encounter with them to escalate into violence. The continued use of force is not a sustainable solution,” he said.

Conclusion: Abuja on High Alert as Unrest Grows

With tensions still high in Abuja, the situation remains volatile, and security agencies are on high alert to prevent further violence. The IMN protests, the government’s response, and the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria remain pressing concerns.

For now, residents of Abuja are urged to remain cautious, and authorities must take necessary steps to prevent further escalation while ensuring that citizens’ rights to peaceful protest are protected.