Amnesty International Condemns Nigerian Military’s Lethal Crackdown on Shiite Protesters in Abuja

Introduction

ABUJA – Global human rights watchdog Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian military’s use of lethal force against members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) during a religious procession in the capital city. This marks the latest escalation in a decade-long pattern of violence against the Shiite group. The confrontation on Friday left at least five protesters dead and dozens injured, sparking renewed concerns about Nigeria’s adherence to international human rights standards.

Eyewitness Accounts and Military Actions

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as security forces opened fire on thousands of IMN members participating in the annual Quds Day procession, an international event showing solidarity with Palestinians. While similar demonstrations proceeded peacefully in Kano, Jos, and four other Nigerian cities, the Abuja gathering turned deadly when soldiers reportedly used live ammunition without warning against unarmed protesters.

“The military is deliberately using tactics designed to kill when dealing with IMN gatherings,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigeria Director. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts collected since 2015 support these allegations. Security forces blocked medical personnel from reaching the wounded, according to multiple reports. Victims lay bleeding on the streets of the Central Business District.

This incident echoes the 2015 Zaria massacre where soldiers killed 350 IMN members and buried victims in mass graves. Despite international condemnation, no military personnel faced prosecution. The pattern continued in 2018 when security forces killed 45 protesters during a three-day Abuja demonstration, documented through survivor testimonies and verified video footage.

Government’s Stance and Legal Implications

Nigerian authorities defended their actions, claiming protesters carried firearms and catapults. Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed one soldier’s death and announced 19 arrests. However, Amnesty investigators found no evidence protesters posed imminent threats. International law strictly prohibits using firearms for crowd control.

The IMN, inspired by Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, has operated in Nigeria since the 1980s while denying violent extremism allegations. Its leader Ibraheem El-Zakzaky remains a polarizing figure since his 2015 detention sparked ongoing protests. The government banned the group in 2019 following deadly clashes, though members continue demanding religious freedom and their leader’s unconditional release.

Human Rights Concerns and International Reactions

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) joined the condemnation, labeling Nigeria “a killing field” where security forces routinely employ disproportionate force. The group questioned why authorities deploy live ammunition rather than water cannons or rubber bullets for crowd control. Three soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation.

International law experts emphasize that the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force require security forces to minimize damage and injury during demonstrations. The Geneva-based International Commission of Jurists called for independent investigations, stressing that failure to prosecute violators fosters impunity.

Potential Consequences and Historical Context

As pressure mounts on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, analysts warn that repeated crackdowns risk radicalizing Nigeria’s Shiite minority. With the country already battling Boko Haram insurgency and separatist movements, human rights advocates urge dialogue to prevent further escalation.

The incident coincides with growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record. Last month, the US State Department’s annual report highlighted extrajudicial killings by Nigerian security forces. Meanwhile, the EU Parliament passed a resolution demanding accountability for Lekki shooting survivors.

For Abuja residents, Friday’s violence revived traumatic memories of the 2020 EndSARS protests. Market trader Amina Yusuf recounted hiding in her shop as gunfire erupted: “They treat us like enemies, not citizens. When will this stop?” As night fell, bloodstains on asphalt and shattered prayer beads bore silent witness to Africa’s most populous nation’s ongoing struggle with security sector reform.