The Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu has declared the Islamic Movement in Nigeria led by Ibrahim Zakzaky as a terrorist organisation.
IGP Adamu who made the declaration at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday said IMN was proscribed and banned all protest by the movement.
He emphasised that all adherents of the Shi’a Sect in Nigeria remain free to continue to practice their faith and shall be guaranteed adequate security to so do as the Judicial Order does not stop them.
According to IGP Mohammed Adamu, the El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria which does not recognise nor accept the Constitution and Government of the Federation is the sole organisation that has been classified as a terrorist organisation and proscribed.’
‘the activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (aka Shi’a) led by Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky have engaged in extreme radicalism, series of terror-related activities, violence and other unlawful activities which are inimical to the national security interest, good governance, and the corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” , he said.
IGP Adamu reiterated that anyone associated with the movement or propagating their agenda would be treated as a terrorist and an enemy of the state.
Mr Adamu said henceforth any protester arrested in connection with the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria would be prosecuted under the “Terrorist Act”.
‘The Shi’a has over the years manifested its penchant for launching attacks on Nigerians and the symbols of state authority. Since 2018 till date, the IMN has engaged in coordinated and organized violent protests within the Federal Capital Territory.’
The IGP also announced the approval to recruit over forty thousand community policing officers, to address security challenges in the country.