The United States Embassy in Abuja has issued a fresh security alert ahead of today’s Islamic Movement in Nigeria procession marking International Quds Day urging all American citizens in Nigeria to remain in their residences and avoid public gatherings as the march gets underway across Abuja and other Nigerian cities on Friday March 13, 2026.
The embassy informed US citizens that the IMN has announced its intention to assemble and march in Abuja and other cities in Nigeria today to recognise International Quds Day. The advisory follows a pattern of warnings issued by the US Mission since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war on February 28 including a March 5 alert that prompted the embassy to close for routine business and reschedule all visa appointments.
The IMN has pushed back firmly against the advisory. The head of the IMN Resource Forum, Abdullah Danladi, dismissed suggestions that the group was planning attacks on American interests, insisting the movement had never engaged in violence since its establishment in 1977. He questioned why the US Embassy chose to issue a public security alert rather than channel its concerns through Nigerian security agencies. He also noted that last year’s Quds Day procession ended peacefully because security operatives did not disrupt it.
The group confirmed it fixed today’s march to both commemorate International Quds Day and mourn the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
The context behind today’s march is important. International Quds Day was established by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979 and is observed on the last Friday of Ramadan each year as a global expression of solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel.
The history between the IMN and Nigerian security forces adds a layer of tension to every public procession. As recently as March 2025, five IMN members and one security officer were killed during a Quds Day clash in Abuja near the Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2, with police claiming demonstrators were armed.
The US Embassy has advised American citizens to avoid areas where protests are taking place, avoid crowds, stay alert in shopping centres, cinemas and places of worship, keep mobile phones charged, carry proper identification and monitor local media closely for updates throughout the day.
This is a developing story. Updates will be published as the situation evolves.
