Nigerian Shia Protest US-Israeli Attacks on Iran Amid Ongoing Violence

• •Nigerian Shia Muslims are protesting US-Israeli military actions against Iran.
• •The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has faced violent crackdowns, resulting in hundreds of deaths since 2015.
• •Protests reflect deep ideological ties to Iran, viewed as a symbol of resistance by Nigerian Shia.

In March 2026, Nigerian Shia Muslims held protests in cities like Kano and Abuja, condemning US-Israeli attacks on Iran and expressing solidarity with the Iranian people. These demonstrations were organized by the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), a group that has faced violent crackdowns from Nigerian authorities since 2015, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The IMN's protests reflect deep ideological ties to Iran, which many Shia see as a symbol of resistance against oppression. The protests have intensified in response to the US-Israeli military actions that began on February 28, 2026. Human Rights Watch has documented ongoing violence against the IMN, including a 2015 incident where 347 members were killed by the Nigerian army. The situation highlights the intersection of local grievances and international geopolitical conflicts, with the IMN's calls for justice remaining largely unaddressed by the Nigerian government.