Shiites Protest: US issues stern warning to its citizens in Nigeria

The United States has advised its citizens in Nigeria to avoid large crowds and demonstration by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites.

The warning is coming days after violent demonstration by Shiites members in the Nigerian capital, Abuja and the country’s commercial capital, Lagos.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday, July 12, where U.S authorities alerted its citizens to “expected” protest by members of the sect across the country, including Lagos and Abuja.

It therefore urged its citizens in Nigeria to review their personal security plans.

The statement read: “The U.S. Mission in Nigeria advises U.S. citizens that large demonstrations by protesters affiliated with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria are expected in the coming days throughout the country, including Abuja and Lagos.

“Protests by this group in the Nigerian capital on July 9 became violent, including exchanges of gunfire between protesters and Nigerian police, resulting in a couple of deaths.

“The U.S. Mission advises its citizens to avoid these demonstrations and remain in safe areas during these periods.”

The US added that it citizens should avoid demonstrations and large crowds, be aware of their surroundings, monitor local media for updates and carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command on Thursday, July 11, arraigned 38 Shiite members in various courts in Abuja.

Ten members of the sect were brought before a magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, while 28 others were arraigned at a Magistrate court in Wuse Zone 6.

The defendants, who could not understand English, with the help of an interpreter, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.