Police in the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday, arrested no fewer than 19 suspects following a clash between members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria and some soldiers.
Police also said a thorough probe into the incident had been launched, vowing to crack down on the perpetrators of the attack on security operatives.
Unconfirmed reports, however, claimed that an unspecified number of military personnel and civilians lost their lives during the clash that occurred in the Banex Area of Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, on Friday.
Scores of passers-by were also said to have been injured during the melee in the nation’s capital.
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Saka Adewale, in his reaction to the incident, wondered what could have led to the clash.
The police commissioner, who reacted through the spokesperson of the FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, also confirmed that one person was pronounced dead at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The PPRO said, “The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has unequivocally condemned the unprovoked attack on security operatives by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ites.
“On March 28, 2025, at approximately 2:20 PM, the FCT Police Command received a distress call reporting a violent assault on security personnel by IMN members armed with firearms, cutlasses, catapults, sticks, stones, petrol bombs, and other lethal weapons in the Banex Area, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.
“Upon swift deployment to the scene, police and security personnel encountered intense gunfire from the attackers, resulting in the serious injury of three security operatives. They were promptly transported to the National Hospital, where one was tragically pronounced dead.
“Nineteen suspects have been arrested in connection with this incident, while others managed to escape. Normalcy has since been fully restored, and investigations are ongoing to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. CP Ajao Saka Adewale emphasized that actions are being implemented to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.
“The Commissioner warns that attacks on security operatives who risk their lives to protect citizens will not be tolerated. He urges residents to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and report any suspicious activities to the Command at the following numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.”
