The embassy advised U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and areas where protests may take place, citing previous IMN processions that resulted in confrontations with Nigerian Security Forces involving the use of teargas, water cannons and live ammunition to curb activities.
The alert comes as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has been holding a series of symbolic Arbaeen processions across the country, with the culminating ceremony expected to take place in Abuja on Tuesday.
A Tradition Rooted in History
Arbaeen marks the 40th day after Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the third Shia Imam, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The observance has deep roots in Islamic history, with Sheikh Zakzaky describing it as "a tradition with deep roots in Islamic history, tracing its origins to the very first Arbaeen following the tragedy of Karbala."
In Nigeria, the Arbaeen commemoration has evolved beyond a religious observance into a political statement. Alhaji Isa Garba, spokesperson for the Arbaeen Committee and Coalition of Resistance Supporters in Nigeria's North-Western states, declared that "Ashura and Arbaeen are events that reawaken the global spirit of resistance against Western imperialism and hegemony."
Processions Across the Country
The Arbaeen observances in Nigeria have been marked by a series of processions across multiple states. The first major march of the year took place in the Birnin Kudu area of Jigawa State on Saturday, July 25, with hundreds of Shia faithful participating.
The procession set off from two main routes, with mourners dressed in black and carrying flags and portraits of resistance figures, including Sheikh Zakzaky, before converging in Birnin Kudu. The event concluded peacefully and in an orderly fashion.
In Kano State, thousands of participants held a symbolic march on Friday, August 1, with participants carrying Iranian, Palestinian and Imam Hussain flags and banners of Resistance Front leaders. The Kano procession was described as part of preparations for the upcoming Arbaeen symbolic trek scheduled to take place in Abuja.
The processions have also served as a platform for political expression. In the Kano march, participants chanted slogans including "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," while expressing solidarity with Iran following U.S. military actions in the region.
Potential Flashpoints in Abuja
The U.S. Embassy identified several potential locations for protests and processions in Abuja, including the ICICE Al-Noor Mosque on Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Foud Lababidi Mosque off Sultan Abubakar Way, the National Mosque on Constitution Avenue, Eagle Square and Unity Fountain on Shehu Shagari Way, the National Human Rights Commission Headquarters, and several commercial areas including Berger Junction and Bannex Plaza.
Previous IMN processions have resulted in confrontations with security forces, and the embassy noted that such events have historically involved the use of teargas, water cannons and live ammunition to curb activities.
Sheikh Zakzaky's Call for Peaceful Observance
Despite the potential for confrontation, Sheikh Zakzaky has called on Arbaeen pilgrims to embody sincerity and exemplary moral conduct. At a meeting with pilgrims in Abuja, he urged them to "purify their intentions, uphold Islamic ethics, and maintain dignified conduct throughout the spiritual sojourn."
"The pilgrims of Arbaeen must serve as worthy ambassadors of Islam and the school of the Ahl al-Bayt, presenting a true and correct image of this immense spiritual movement through their righteous deeds and noble character," Zakzaky said.
He also cautioned against distorted perceptions of large religious gatherings, drawing a parallel with the Hajj pilgrimage. "In any massive congregation, including the Hajj, a small number of individuals may display improper behavior. However, the majority of participants must never be blamed or penalized for the actions of a tiny minority," he said.
A Movement in Transition
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has faced sustained repression in recent years. Zakzaky has been held in detention in Nigeria despite repeated domestic and international calls for his release, and the government has periodically banned the group's activities.
The Arbaeen processions represent one of the few occasions when the movement can mobilise its followers openly. The observances have also become a platform for expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the broader "Axis of Resistance" led by Iran.
The U.S. Embassy has advised citizens to avoid areas where protests are taking place, avoid crowds, exercise caution near large gatherings and monitor local media for updates.
With reporting from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and local sources.
