The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), under the leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Yaqoub Zakzaky, has organized the 2025 Global Quds Day protest in more than 30 cities across the country.
The annual demonstration, held to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine, witnessed massive participation in major cities such as Abuja, Zaria, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Jos, Bauchi, Nasarawa, Lagos, Enugu, Kogi, and several others.
According to a report by Ammar Muhammad Rajab, this year's protest took place on Friday, 28th Ramadan 1446 (March 28, 2025), with participants reaffirming their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Thousands of men, women, and youths marched peacefully, chanting slogans like "Freedom for Palestine" and "End Israeli Oppression." They carried placards bearing messages such as "We Are All Palestine" and "Stop the Genocide in Gaza."
Global Quds Day, declared by Iran’s late revolutionary leader, Imam Ayatollah Khomeini, in 1980, has become a symbol of resistance against Israeli occupation. Beyond Nigeria, similar protests were held in countries including the UK, the US, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and across regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protests across Nigeria, security forces in Abuja attacked demonstrators, resulting in fatalities. The Nigerian Army's Guard Brigade reportedly opened fire on protesters at Bannex, killing more than 20 people and injuring several others. Over 20 individuals were also unlawfully arrested. Eyewitnesses confirmed that live ammunition was used against unarmed protesters, a clear violation of human rights.
Prior to the demonstration, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA) had issued a controversial report labeling the protest a security threat, a claim the Islamic Movement strongly condemned as false and an attempt to suppress a lawful gathering in line with foreign interests, particularly those of the US and Israel.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has intensified its military attacks on Gaza, dropping over 100,000 bombs, killing at least 50,000 Palestinians, and injuring more than 90,000—mostly children. Over 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure, including homes, mosques, schools, hospitals, and markets, has been destroyed.
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has denounced these atrocities and called on the international community to take urgent action against the ongoing genocide. It also demanded the immediate release of all detained protesters in Abuja and urged the Nigerian government to uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Global Quds Day remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression, with the Islamic Movement reaffirming its commitment to standing with the Palestinian people despite challenges. The group has called on all people of conscience, regardless of religion or nationality, to continue supporting justice and condemning oppression.
