March 02, (THEWILL) — The violence-prone Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral geopolitical zones of the country, in particular and the 36 states in general have been placed on security alert, following the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The development is coming on the heels of religious and ideological rhetoric in Nigeria, following the confirmation of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed on Saturday during coordinated air raids on Teheran, Iran’s capital city, carried out by the United States and Israeli forces.
Nigerian Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, reacted immediately to reports of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, describing him as “a lucky soul,” who “died in Jihad.”
In a post he shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, Gumi said Khamenei died “in jihad against killers of innocent children and women in Gaza and elsewhere,” adding that the Ayatollah’s blood “will fuel the change in the Ummah,” He noted that the Iranian leader stood firmly for justice and didn’t hide in bunkers.
Also on Sunday, supporters of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), widely known as Shiites who share the same religious denomination as Iranians, staged a demonstration in Niger State on Sunday following reports of the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. The IMN in Nigeria is led by Kaduna State based Shi’a cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Shortly after the news of the Iranian leader’s demise spread across social media platforms, many IMN members gathered and moved into the streets in protest.
The demonstrators were seen in a viral video chanting ‘freedom to Iran, death to America ‘. The protesters marched through several parts of the state, waving Iranian flags and holding placards with messages such as “We Stand with Iran.”
Also, the Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, condemned the killing and attack on Iran and urged muslims to alienate US and its allies.
He said in a note made available to THEWILL on Sunday, “MURIC admonishes Muslim leaders around the world to trust the US and its Western allies at their own risk and to expect daggers and bullets instead of handshakes and salads at the table. Within Nigeria, we call on Muslims to shun official engagements with leaders of other religious groups but to continue to be good neighbours to all, loving, giving and tolerating. At the same time, we urge Nigerian Muslims to remain peaceful and law abiding but vigilant. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”
Reacting to these developments on Sunday, Acting Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu assured citizens and residents of the country of their safety. According to him, the 36 Commissioners of Police and the violent prone states in the Northeast, Northwest and Northcentral geo-political zones in particular, have been put on red alert.
He said that, “any attempt to import external ideological or religious tensions into the country will be met with the full weight of the law,” adding that, “Nigeria will not serve as a theatre for foreign conflicts.”
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, who conveyed Disu’s statement said the Inspector-General of Police, reassures all Nigerians of the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the protection of lives, property and national peace, in the light of evolving geopolitical tensions in the Middle-East and their potential global implications.
He noted that, “While Nigeria remains stable and its internal security situation firmly under control, the Force has reinforced proactive, intelligence-led policing measures across the country.”
ACP Hundeyin said, “The Ag. IGP has directed all Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with particular attention to the North West, North East and North Central zones, to heighten surveillance and intelligence gathering, strengthen collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, enhance visibility policing around worship centres and public spaces and swiftly address any attempt by individuals or groups to exploit global developments to incite unrest or sectarian tension.”
IGP Disu, he said, called on community leaders nationwide to continue promoting peace and urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, reporting any suspicious activity to the nearest police formation.
The police assured: “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, prepared and fully committed to safeguarding every Nigerian and maintaining national security at all times.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called for de-escalation and restraint in the Gulf region following the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this on Sunday.
The Spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa Ebienfa in the statement quoted Tuggar as expressing his deep concern over the rising tensions in the Gulf region, particularly the risk of further escalation with potentially grave consequences for regional and global stability.
According to him, Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities and prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
Tuggar said, “We urge strict adherence to the provisions of the UN Charter and the Geneva Convention, particularly taking into cognisance the respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The US-Israeli aerial assault came two days after US-Iranian talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme broke down.
After the US-Israeli attack, Iran launched counter-attacks throughout the Middle East in retaliation to what its foreign minister called an “unprovoked, illegal” attack by the US and Israel.
President Donald Trump has vowed that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary to achieve our objective.”
Meanwhile, over 200 persons have been killed across Iran and more than 700 injured, according to the Red Crescent on Saturday.
In counterattacks by Iran, nine persons died when an Iranian missile hit a synagogue bomb shelter in the central Israeli town of Beit Shemesh. Reportedly, one person died and at least 20 were wounded when an Iranian missile hit several buildings in central Tel Aviv.
Also, one person was killed and 11 injured at airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The US has also confirmed that three of its service members have been killed in action.
Global oil fears have heightened as the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s vital energy artery “handling roughly 20 percent of global oil supply flows has become a war zone, forcing major shipping lines to halt operations.”
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
