Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has insisted that the group “cannot be frightened by guns,” saying its members remain resolute despite years of state clampdown.
El-Zakzaky stated this during a press conference on Wednesday ahead of activities marking the anniversary of the 2015 Zaria massacre. A clip of the briefing, shared by TV Platinum on X, was sighted by Kano Times on Thursday.
He said the IMN had become “a power to be reckoned with,” stressing that members of the movement had shown unwavering commitment even in the face of actions by security forces.
“In terms of numbers, even if you hate us, you know that we are millions. In terms of commitment, we have shown that guns cannot frighten us because we have faced them. Pictures show people approaching those shooting at them with bare hands,” he said.
The 2015 clash occurred during a Maulud procession in Zaria, Kaduna State, when IMN members blocked the convoy of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
The Army later described the blockade as an assassination attempt — a claim the group rejected. The confrontation escalated into a full-scale military operation at several IMN locations, including El-Zakzaky’s residence.
Human Rights Watch estimated that about 300 members of the sect were killed and buried secretly, while a state-backed judicial panel put the civilian death toll at over 1,000. The military dismissed both figures.
Following the incident, El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were arrested and remained in detention until July 2021, when a Kaduna High Court discharged and acquitted them.
Despite past hostilities, the IMN leader said the group is still open to dialogue with the government. He alleged that event centres in Abuja often deny the movement space due to official directives but maintained that members continue to gather regardless.
“Normally, we gather in different halls in Abuja. Sometimes when we go to make appointments, they say they have written orders not to give us space. They even threaten those who give us space. But we still gather,” he said.
El-Zakzaky said the group would go ahead with its planned programmes, including an International Women’s Day event marking the birth of Lady Fatima, as well as activities commemorating the Zaria massacre.
“They will see us. They will hear us,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of social media in spreading the group’s message.
“Whether they like it or not, they will see. And it is ideas we are expressing. We are selling ideas. And people are buying,” he said.
El-Zakzaky reaffirmed the IMN’s resolve to continue its activities despite previous crackdowns.
“We will continue doing what we are doing,” he added.
