By Dorcas Francis Koji
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja has been temporarily closed following a security directive from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters over an alleged threat linked to a planned protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shiite movement.
In an official notice issued on Monday night, the stadium management announced the immediate closure of all access points to the facility with effect from August 3, 2026. According to the statement, the restriction will remain in force until further instructions are received from the Police Headquarters.
The closure has disrupted all sporting and recreational activities at both the main bowl and Package B of the stadium, affecting athletes, football clubs, fitness enthusiasts, and members of the public who regularly use the facility. Only a limited number of administrative offices are currently operating.
A source familiar with the development told The PUNCH that the decision was taken as a preventive security measure.
“It was learnt that the Shiite group planned to use the stadium as a venue for a protest and the action became necessary to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order,” the source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter, said.
According to reports, the IMN had earlier sought permission to use the stadium for its gathering, but the request was reportedly declined by the management due to security concerns.
A visit to the facility revealed that virtually all entrance gates had been locked, with only the main entrance left open for security operations. The stadium was heavily guarded by security personnel, while trucks belonging to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies were strategically positioned around the complex to enforce the closure.
Despite the restrictions at the stadium, members of the IMN reportedly staged a protest in parts of Abuja on Tuesday, causing traffic disruptions in Mararaba, a densely populated satellite town bordering the Federal Capital Territory. Commuters were left stranded for hours as the demonstration affected movement in the area.
The latest protest follows similar demonstrations by the group earlier this year, during which members condemned what they described as joint United States and Israeli aggression against Iran.
The IMN has consistently maintained that its demonstrations are peaceful, describing them as expressions of solidarity with Muslim nations and opposition to what it considers external aggression.
The movement has, however, had a long history of confrontations with security agencies during public processions in the Federal Capital Territory.
One of the most notable incidents occurred during last year’s International Quds Day procession near Banex Roundabout in Wuse 2, Abuja, where clashes between security operatives and IMN members turned violent. The group claimed that several of its members were killed, while the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the death of one of its officers during the confrontation.
The temporary closure of the nation’s premier sporting facility underscores growing security concerns surrounding large public gatherings, with authorities prioritising public safety while monitoring the evolving situation.
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