Members of the South West leadership of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) staged a peaceful protest in Lagos State on Monday, March 2, 2026, in response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike.
The demonstration, which followed similar protests in Kano State on Sunday, saw participants march through parts of the Maryland area carrying placards and banners condemning what they described as an “invasion” of Iran and the targeted assassination of the long-serving leader.
Protesters chanted slogans expressing solidarity with Iran and strong opposition to the actions of the United States and Israel.
Leadership reports that the protest remained orderly, with no reported disruptions, violence, or interference with public order.
Some demonstrators called on the Nigerian government to reject the presence of U.S. troops in the country.
South West coordinator of IMN, Muftau Zakariya, told journalists that the protest was organised to express concerns over what he called sustained invasions of sovereign nations by the U.S. administration, citing Venezuela as a recent example of foreign interference.
Zakariya also claimed that terrorism in Nigeria has increased since U.S. involvement in the country’s affairs, pointing to heightened attacks in Kwara State as evidence.
“I said to you that nothing good is coming from the US intervention. It is only interested in their economic gains and not minding the consequences thereafter,” he said.
Another IMN leader, Muhammadu Bashir, explained that the protest was a way of registering opposition to the killing of Iranian leaders and vowed that demonstrations would remain peaceful and continue across the region.
The protests reflect widespread outrage among Shi’ite communities globally following Iranian state media’s confirmation of Khamenei’s death on Saturday during large-scale U.S.-Israeli military operations against targets in Iran.
Iran has since announced 40 days of national mourning for Khamenei, who ruled for nearly four decades, while retaliatory military exchanges continue amid rising regional instability.
NATIONAL PATRIOTS: DO NOT TURN FOREIGN TENSIONS INTO DOMESTIC UNREST.
As demonstrations linked to the U.S.–Iran–Israel tensions emerge in parts of Kano and Lagos, the National Patriots Movement urges calm, restraint and civic responsibility.
Nigeria must not allow external geopolitical disputes to trigger protests, unrest or civil disturbances within our borders.
We are not a combatant in that conflict. Importing foreign battles into our streets serves no national interest.
More critically, we must not allow religious sentiment, political opportunism or emotional mobilisation to fracture our unity.
History is clear. From the Maitatsine crisis of the 1980s to sectarian disturbances in Kaduna and the 2019 IMN-related clashes in Abuja, moments of charged protest have often escalated beyond their original intent, resulting in fatalities, destruction of property and long-term mistrust. None of those episodes strengthened Nigeria.
Dr. Tunde Afolabi, a civic governance advocate, cautioned: “In volatile times, protests can quickly be hijacked.
What begins as ideological solidarity may end as street-level disorder.
The cost is always borne by small businesses, commuters and vulnerable citizens.”
Lagos and Kano are not just symbolic cities; they are economic engines.
Even short-lived disruption affects markets, transport corridors and investor confidence.
With over 200 million citizens depending on fragile but ongoing economic reforms, instability—however brief—has multiplier effects.
The Lagos State Police Command has advised residents to go about their lawful duties and made it clear that acts capable of causing unrest will not be tolerated.
This is consistent with constitutional provisions that allow reasonable restrictions on rights in the interest of public safety and order. Lawful protest is protected.
Civil disturbance is not.
Barrister Amina Yusuf, a constitutional analyst, observed: “Democracy protects expression, but it does not protect intimidation, road blockades or actions that threaten public peace. The line between protest and disorder must remain clear.”
We must also be realistic. In politically sensitive periods, unrest can be exploited by opposition actors or criminal networks seeking to create instability or damaging optics.
Nigeria’s security environment is already stretched by insurgency and banditry in parts of the country.
Adding urban volatility only compounds risk.
The National Patriots therefore call on organisers and participants to act responsibly.
Do not inflame tensions.
Do not obstruct highways.
Do not provoke security forces. Do not allow faith, politics or foreign grievances to become fuel for domestic instability.
Nigeria is not at war. Our focus must remain economic recovery, national cohesion and internal security.
Calm is strength. Restraint is patriotism.
Dr. Imran Khazaly.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Report.
