The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu, has officially declared that the Ibraheem El- Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has officially been proscribed and all protests by the movement banned.
The police boss said anyone associated with the IMN or furthering their agenda will be treated as a terrorist and an enemy of the state.
The federal high court recently pronounced the IMN proscribed.
Adamu said that the police will treat members of the IMN as terrorists on Tuesday at the monthly conference with senior police officers in Abuja.
Adamu said Shiites “will be treated like terrorists and enemies of state” and prosecuted under the Terrorism Act, including anyone associating with them in any way that could advance their activities in the country.
He added: “All forms of procession or protest by IMN is now illegal and thus banned.”
Adamu solicited the support of the public in the provision of information that would help in identifying locations of IMN members and their mentors.
He said: “All adherents of the Shiite Sect in Nigeria remain free to continue to practice their faith and shall be guaranteed adequate security to so do as the judicial order does not stop them.
“The El-Zakzaky-led Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria which does not recognise nor accept the Constitution and Government of the Federation is the sole organisation that has been classified as a terrorist organisation and proscribed.”