Police monitoring Islamic groups in Nigeria amid US–Israel–Iran tensions, says IGP

IGP Olatunji Disu has revealed that the Nigeria Police Force is monitoring Islamic groups with allegiance to Middle Eastern countries following the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict.

Disu spoke on Wednesday shortly after taking the oath of office at the council chambers of the state house in Abuja.

The police chief said developments in the Middle East could have security implications for Nigeria.

His words: “Everywhere in the world, we are aware that this is what we call intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria.

“We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well. So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us.

“So we are putting all necessary actions. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands.”

The comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.

Iran has since launched retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli and American military installations, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

Several countries, including China, the United Kingdom and the United States, have advised their citizens to leave Iran and avoid travel to the Middle East.

Nigeria hosts a number of Islamic groups with ideological or organisational ties to Middle Eastern countries, particularly Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, is known for its pro-Iranian stance and Shia Islamic orientation.

Some Sunni groups in the country also maintain connections with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

Major conflicts in the Middle East have historically triggered protests and demonstrations in Nigeria, especially in northern states with large Muslim populations.

Disu said the police are taking proactive measures to prevent protests or attacks that could be inspired by the Middle East crisis.

“You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take the law into their own hands,” he said.

The IGP also disclosed that he has set up a committee to develop the Nigeria Police Force’s position on the proposed establishment of state police.