Video: Police Arrest 400 as Security Forces, Islamic Movement Engage in Another Bloody Confrontation in Abuja

Pat Stevens/

Security forces and stone-throwing members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria engage in another round of bloody confrontation in Abuja today.

Reports say several among the protesting members of the movement, also known as Shi’ites, were shot and injured during the encounter with the security forces.

Videos posted online show the protesters carrying their shot and bloodied members as they flee from the bullets of the security forces.

Police said this evening they have arrested 400 members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria following a third day of violence in Abuja.

Some of the suspects were armed with bottles of petrol bombs and other dangerous weapons, police also said.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has also directed that police formations in the states with substantial Shiite population should be put on red alert.

Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, a deputy commissioner said the IGP condemned the setting ablaze of police vehicles by the rioters today.

Jimoh said the IGP has ordered the investigation and prosecution of all the suspects arrested.

NewsmakersNG learnt that the suspects are likely to be charged with disturbance of public peace, law and order in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and setting ablaze of police vehicle.

“They will all be arraigned in Court after investigation under Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.

“Commissioners of Police in States with presence of El-Zakzakky Islamic Movement Groups are now on Red-alert to deal decisively in accordance with the law and prevent the group from causing breakdown of law and order in those States

“They are to deal decisively in accordance with the law with the sect and prevent the group from causing breakdown of law and order in those States.

“The Force will not condone lawlessness and disturbance of public peace by any group(s) under any guise that runs contrary to the constitutional provisions and other enabling laws on preservation of law and order and protection of lives and property of all Nigerians.

“The full weight of the law will be applied on perpetrators of violence and lawlessness that can lead to breach of the peace, and law and order anywhere in the country,” Moshood said.

Violence first broke out on Saturday when members of the Islamic Movement reportedly attacked a military convoy transporting weapons from Abuja to Kaduna State.

Three members were shot dead during confrontation while several others including two soldiers were injured.

The violence resumed yesterday when members of the movement insisted on resuming their procession to seek the release of their leader, El-Zakzakky, who had been detention along with his wife since 2016.

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