FCT: Five feared dead, 19 suspects arrested as military, shi’ites clash

The force also said it has launched a thorough probe into the incident, vowing to crack down on the perpetrators of the attack on the security operatives.

A yet-to-be-ascertained number of military personnel and civilians lost their lives during the clash that happened in the Banex Area of Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2, on Friday.

It was learnt that scores of passers-by were also injured during the melee in the nation’s capital.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ajao Saka Adewale, wondered what could have led to the clash.

Adewale, who reacted through the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, also confirmed that one person was pronounced dead at the National Hospital, Abuja.

“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.

“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.”

Editor’s note: This picture was used for illustration