The Nigerian Army has warned members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria against protesting in any part of Plateau state.
The army said this in a statement signed by Ishaku Takwa, the military information officer of the Operation Safe Haven.
The group, which is led by Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, is reportedly planning a nationwide protest.
“Intelligence report available to operation safe haven indicates a planned protest by members of the proscribed IMN, otherwise known as Shiites,” the statement reads.
“The protest, planned to hold nationwide including Plateau is scheduled for Friday, due to the health challenge of El-Zakzaki.
“While we acknowledge the rights of individuals and groups to hold peaceful protests or processions, it is however instructive to note that the fragile security situation on the Plateau is currently not conducive for such activities.
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“Besides, intelligence reports available further reveals plans by hoodlums and miscreants to hijack the protest and cause mayhem in Jos Metropolis and its environs.
“In view of the above, we are hereby calling on members of IMN to shelve their plan to protest in the state.”
Takwa said Ibrahim Ali, commander of the operation, has ordered troops to stop the planned protest in Plateau until full security of lives and property is assured.
According to a report, the military Special Task Force (STF) in charge of security in Plateau State and other law enforcement agencies have concluded plans to cage Shi’ite members in the state.
The STF announced on Sunday that steps have been taken to cage members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in the state.
STF Commander, Maj.-Gen. Augustine Agundu, while speaking in Jos, said military and other law enforcement agencies have met to forestall any form of action that Shi’ites may want to come up with.
According to him, the steps are imperative in order to avoid ripple effect of the Shi’ites’ protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“With the unfortunate incident that happened in Abuja over the IMN protest, we have taken a lot of proactive measures so that such a thing does not emanate here.
“We have engaged the Sheik who is of the Shiite Islamic sect and told him that we have a peculiar case here in Plateau.
“We have worked seriously for peace for us to be in the stage we are now, and would not want any form of procession.
“The organisation is already proscribed here in Plateau.
“We are planning on how to mobilise our forces because in the euphoria of celebration, there may be one or two altercations.
“These meetings are always regular, and we are always in touch with religious and traditional leaders.
“We have a closely knitted relationship, cooperation and synergy with all security agencies as well as religious and traditional leaders.
“I will advocate that other states having some security challenges could come and learn from this synergy,” he said.
