Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, staged a protest in Niger State on Sunday over reports alleging the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in coordinated United States–Israel strikes.

The reported killing had not been independently verified by international authorities as of press time. However, news circulating on social media prompted dozens of IMN members to mobilise and take to the streets in solidarity with Iran.

Protesters marched through parts of the state waving Iranian flags and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “We Stand With Iran” and “Free Iran,” alongside anti-US and anti-Israel messages.

In a statement shared among supporters, the group condemned what it described as “United States–Israel aggression against Iran” and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.

“We strongly condemn the United States–Israel aggression against Iran. The blood of martyrs will not be shed in vain,” the statement read in part.

Chants critical of the United States and Israel were heard during the procession, as demonstrators vowed continued opposition to Western involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

The protest underscores the longstanding ideological ties between IMN and the Iranian government, a relationship that has previously drawn scrutiny from Nigerian authorities. The group has frequently organised demonstrations in support of Iranian causes and in criticism of US and Israeli foreign policies.