One person has been confirmed dead, and two others injured following a violent confrontation between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, and security operatives in Abuja.
According to a statement from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred around 2:20 PM in the Banex Area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2. The police received a distress call reporting an attack on security personnel by IMN members armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other lethal weapons.
Adeh stated that upon swift deployment to the scene, security forces encountered heavy gunfire from the attackers. Three security operatives sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the National Hospital, where one was later pronounced dead.
So far, 19 suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while others managed to escape. The police assured that normalcy has been fully restored and that investigations are ongoing to bring all perpetrators to justice.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Adewale Ajao, strongly condemned the attack on security personnel and reassured residents of Abuja of their safety.