A fierce gun battle erupted between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) at Banex Plaza in Abuja, just hours after the United States Embassy issued a security alert warning of planned IMN protests in the city.
The US Embassy advisory cautioned American citizens about potential disruptions, including roadblocks, traffic congestion, and confrontations, due to the protests. The embassy noted that past IMN demonstrations have involved roadblocks, checkpoints, and physical confrontations.¹
The security warning identified potential protest locations, including:
- *Banex Plaza*: Scene of the current clash
- *Berger Junction*
- *Unity Fountain*
- *National Human Rights Commission Head Office*
- *Eagle Square*
- *Area 10 Shopping Plaza*
- *National Mosque*
- *Al-Noor Mosque*
- *Fouad Lababidi Mosque*
The incident is still unfolding, with details sketchy at the moment. This clash comes after a similar incident on Sunday, which resulted in the death of two policemen and the arrest of 97 IMN members.