One individual has been confirmed deceased and two others injured following a violent confrontation between members of the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly referred to as the Shi’ites, and security forces in Abuja.
In a statement, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, reported that around 2:20 PM, the FCT Police Command received an emergency call regarding an assault on security personnel by IMN members armed with firearms, machetes, slingshots, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other deadly weapons in the Banex Area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.
Adeh indicated that upon rapid deployment to the site, police and security personnel faced heavy gunfire from the assailants, which led to serious injuries for three security operatives. They were quickly taken to the National Hospital, where one of them was declared dead.
Additionally, Adeh mentioned that 19 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, while others were able to flee.
The statement noted that order has since been fully restored, and investigations are underway to ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command, CP Adewale Ajao, strongly condemned the unprovoked assault on security personnel by the group and reassured Abuja residents of their safety.