No fewer than 19 suspects have been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command following a violent clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites, and military personnel.
The confrontation, which erupted in the Banex Area of Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, on Friday, resulted in multiple casualties, including the loss of military personnel and civilians, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Several passers-by also sustained injuries in the chaos.
Reacting to the incident, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation. In a statement issued through the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, Adewale described the incident as an “unprovoked assault on security operatives.”
According to the statement, the police received a distress call at approximately 2:20 PM on March 28, 2025, reporting that IMN members had launched an attack on security personnel. The attackers were reportedly armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other dangerous weapons.
“Upon swift deployment, security forces were met with intense gunfire from the assailants, leading to serious injuries among three officers. They were immediately rushed to the National Hospital, where one was sadly pronounced dead,” the statement read.
While 19 suspects have been apprehended, several others managed to escape. The police assured the public that normalcy has been restored and that efforts are underway to track down all those involved.
Commissioner Adewale issued a stern warning against attacks on security personnel, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies, providing any relevant information that could aid in the investigation.
The public has been advised to report any suspicious activities to the FCT Command through the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.
The People’s Insight
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