Police detain 97 Shi’ite members following deadly clash in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has detained 97 members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), commonly known as the Shi’ite group, in connection with a violent clash in Abuja on Sunday.

The confrontation led to the deaths of two policemen, with three others sustaining serious injuries. During the clash, three patrol vehicles were also set ablaze by the Shi’ite members.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests, crediting credible intelligence reports for aiding the police in apprehending the suspects. Adejobi emphasized that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered that those responsible for the violence be brought to justice, reaffirming the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the country.

“As investigations unfold, the Nigeria Police Force is determined to uncover the full extent of this attack and prevent future occurrences of such violence against police officers,” he said.

Adejobi said the inspector-general sympathised with the grieving families of the fallen police officers and wished those currently undergoing treatment speedy recovery.

He called on the public to support and understand the Nigeria Police Force in its quest to maintain law and order even in the face of extremist threats and other violent crimes.