The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has intensified security measures across Abuja following plans by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, to stage protests in the nation’s capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that proactive steps had been taken to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

According to her, the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Miller Dantawaye, on Tuesday addressed and deployed Mobile Police Officers across strategic locations in Abuja to ensure public safety during the planned protest.

She explained that the deployed officers were instructed to maintain law and order while safeguarding the rights of all residents, in line with constitutional provisions.

The planned demonstration follows earlier protests by IMN members in Lagos, Kano, Niger State, Sokoto State, Gombe State, and Kaduna State, where protesters condemned the reported joint military action by the United States and Israel in Iran.

The demonstrators were said to have expressed strong opposition to the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Police authorities in Abuja have assured residents that adequate security arrangements are in place and urged members of the public to go about their lawful activities without fear, while advising protest organisers to ensure that any demonstration remains peaceful and within the ambit of the law.