Shiite Protesters March in Niger Over Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Shiite Protesters March in Niger Over Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader

Tension rose in parts of Niger State on Sunday as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged a protest over reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in coordinated strikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.

The IMN, led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and widely known as the Shiite movement in Nigeria, mobilised shortly after news of the reported assassination spread on social media.

Witnesses said dozens of protesters took to major streets in parts of the state, chanting solidarity songs and carrying Iranian flags. Placards with inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran” and “Free Iran” were also displayed during the procession.

In a statement circulated among its members, the group expressed grief over what it described as the “martyrdom” of the Iranian leader and condemned what it termed “United States–Israel aggression.”

The statement read in part, “We strongly condemn the United States–Israel aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain.”

During the march, some protesters were heard chanting anti-American and anti-Israel slogans, vowing continued resistance against what they called Western interference in Middle Eastern affairs.

The demonstration once again reflects the long-standing ideological ties between the IMN and the Iranian government. Over the years, the group has organised rallies in support of Iran and has consistently criticised U.S. and Israeli foreign policies.

Security presence was reportedly increased in parts of the state to monitor the situation, although no immediate reports of violence or arrests were confirmed as of the time of filing this report.