Tension over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader has spread to Nigeria, as members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged protests in Lagos and other northern states. At the same time, the United States Government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria following rising hostilities between the US and Iran.
The protests began after reports from Iranian state and local media claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in coordinated airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel. The reports also stated that several senior Iranian officials died in the same attack.
Iranian media further reported that Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, wife of the late Supreme Leader, died on March 2 from injuries she sustained during the strikes at her residence in Tehran. She was said to have slipped into a coma before passing away.
The developments have raised global concern, especially in the Middle East, where tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have been high for years.
In Lagos State, members of the South-West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria took to the streets on Monday in what they described as a peaceful protest.
The demonstrators marched through parts of the Maryland area, carrying placards and banners. They condemned what they called an invasion of Iran and the targeted killing of its long-serving leader.
The protesters chanted slogans in solidarity with Iran and criticised the actions of the United States and Israel.
South-West Coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, told journalists that the protest would remain peaceful and would continue across states in the South-West geopolitical zone.
According to him, the protest was organised to express concern over what he described as repeated interference by the United States in the affairs of sovereign nations. He cited Venezuela as an example of what he called foreign interference.
Zakariya also urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to reject any presence of US troops in the country. He claimed that terrorism in Nigeria had increased following what he described as US involvement in national affairs. He alleged that attacks in Kwara State became more frequent after such involvement.
Another leader of the movement, Muhammadu Bashir, said the aim of the protest was to register their grievances over the killing of Iranian leaders.
Security personnel were seen monitoring the procession in Lagos. However, there was no report of violence, and the protest ended peacefully.
The Lagos protest followed similar demonstrations on Sunday in Kano, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi states.
In Gombe, an IMN leader, Muhammad Abbari, described the attack on Khamenei as unfortunate and unacceptable. He urged members of the group to remain calm and law-abiding while expressing their concerns.
“Our action today is purely peaceful. We are here to register our grievances and show solidarity, nothing more,” Abbari said during the protest.
In Kano State, members of the IMN staged a procession at the Fegge Central Mosque in Kofar Waika around 2:30 pm on Sunday. The demonstrators mourned the reported killing of Khamenei.
The protest in Kano saw participants kneeling on roads, which temporarily disrupted traffic. Some carried white shrouds to symbolise mourning. Others lit candles and distributed water and dates to members of the public.
Although the demonstration ended peacefully around 4:00 pm, security agencies remained on alert for possible follow-up protests.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, announced that security had been strengthened across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile, the United States Government has issued a security alert to its citizens in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
In a statement released on Monday, the United States Department of State warned Americans abroad to remain vigilant following the launch of US combat operations in Iran.
“Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate,” the advisory stated.
The US authorities also warned that Americans could face travel disruptions due to possible airspace closures linked to the unfolding crisis.
Citizens were advised to exercise increased caution and to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive updates. They were also encouraged to follow official security updates through approved communication channels.
The alert followed reports confirming the death of Khamenei and other Iranian officials in airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
In response to the strikes, Iran has reportedly launched missiles targeting US bases in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia. Iranian authorities have vowed to avenge the death of their leader and other officials.
Speaking during a live broadcast on Saturday, US President Donald Trump said he was determined to eliminate members of the Iranian regime. He also called on Iranian citizens to take control of their government after military operations.
The latest developments mark a serious escalation in long-standing tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States. For decades, the three countries have been involved in political and military disputes, particularly over Iran’s nuclear programme and its role in the Middle East.
In Nigeria, attention is focused on ensuring that protests remain peaceful and that foreign tensions do not lead to unrest at home.
For now, security agencies across affected states have maintained a visible presence, while protest leaders continue to urge their members to remain calm.