Concerns are growing over reports that Nigerian security forces may crack down on the annual Al-Quds Day demonstrations set to take place across the country later today.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has raised the alarm over a leaked internal communique from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The document reportedly emphasizes the need to “prevent a breach of the peace”—a justification previously used by security forces to violently suppress demonstrations.
Concerns of a Crackdown
- The leaked communique, dated March 26, 2025, portrays the demonstrators as potentially violent and suggests they may pose a threat to US and Israeli interests in Nigeria.
- The IHRC fears this misrepresentation of what has historically been a peaceful protest could serve as a pretext for another violent security response.
- Previous attacks on Al-Quds Day demonstrators have led to fatalities.
- In 2023, at least one person was killed and several others injured when police opened fire on marchers in Abuja.
- The deadliest crackdown happened in July 2014 in Zaria, where security forces killed 34 people at an Al-Quds rally.
What is Al-Quds Day?
- Al-Quds Day is observed annually on the last Friday of Ramadan in cities across Nigeria and the Muslim world.
- The event is held to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and oppose Israeli occupation.
- It has historically been a peaceful demonstration, though it has often faced heavy security crackdowns in Nigeria.
As tensions rise, activists and human rights organizations are urging Nigerian authorities to allow peaceful demonstrations and avoid a repeat of past violence.
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