The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has denied allegations that it is planning to attack American citizens or institutions in Nigeria, insisting that its activities remain peaceful and lawful.
The group also announced that it will mark this year’s Quds Day on Friday, March 13, 2026, during which members will also mourn the reported death of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
The clarification follows a security alert issued by the United States Embassy in Nigeria warning of a possible terrorist threat targeting American diplomatic facilities and U.S.-affiliated schools in the country.
In the advisory released on Tuesday, the embassy urged American citizens in Nigeria to remain vigilant when visiting U.S. diplomatic premises and institutions linked to the American government.
The warning comes amid heightened global tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the head of the IMN Resource Forum, Abdullah Danladi, dismissed claims that the group or its members were planning attacks.
“In the history of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which started around 1977, we have never attacked anybody or given instructions to attack anybody,” he said.
“We had never, and we will never attack anybody. It is not in our line, it is not in our making, and it is not in our religion to attack anyone.”
Danladi questioned why the U.S. Embassy chose to make the alert public rather than reporting any security concerns directly to Nigerian authorities.
“If there is any threat, the proper thing is to report it to the Nigerian police so they can investigate and apprehend those planning such actions,” he said.
He explained that the group’s annual processions are usually peaceful and only turn violent when security agencies intervene.
According to him, the planned Quds Day procession will involve members walking through designated routes, carrying placards and educating the public about the Palestinian cause.
“What we do is follow the streets, educate people and carry placards. If the police allow us to conduct our activities as they did last year, there will be no problem,” he added.
Danladi also maintained that the group does not require police permission to hold religious gatherings, citing constitutional rights to freedom of association and assembly.
Security operatives had earlier increased their presence in parts of Abuja amid fears that members of the movement might stage protests following developments in Iran, although the expected demonstrations did not occur.
The IMN and Nigerian security agencies have a history of clashes during protests in the capital.
During last year’s Quds Day procession near Banex Roundabout in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja, a violent confrontation reportedly broke out between security operatives and IMN members. The group claimed that some of its members were killed, while the police confirmed the death of one officer.
