In a rare demonstration, hundreds of northern youths marched through the streets of Katsina State on Sunday, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning recent military actions by the United States and Israel.
The youth-led protest, widely shared online, featured participants carrying Iranian flags and banners. Many chanted slogans condemning U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while calling on Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to intervene diplomatically.
A video posted on X (formerly Twitter) captured the inspired demonstration. One banner displayed a map of Iran and a portrait of its Supreme Leader, with defaced images of Trump and Netanyahu crossed out to show disapproval
The protest came amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, with international actors, including the U.S., facing criticism over their roles. Organizers called on President Tinubu to use Nigeria’s diplomatic channels to call for restraint.
In messages shared by the protest organizers, they said: “We demand that President Tinubu speak with the U.S. and Israeli governments to stop these attacks on Iran.” Though no formal statement was issued by any representative, the protesters made their position clear: Nigeria must not stay silent during the unfolding Middle East crisis.
This public outcry reflects growing sentiment in parts of northern Nigeria, where sympathies lie with Muslim-majority countries in the Muslim–West conflict. The protest was peaceful and proceeded without incident. There were no reports of violence, arrests, or police interventions .
Political analysts note that Nigeria has maintained a neutral stance amid the Iran–Israel tensions, choosing not to side with either party. However, the Katsina protest marks a voice raised by civil society, calling for active engagement by the government.
“The banners, flags and chants conveyed a clear message: ‘Resistance is Victory’,” noted local media ([opitanglobalmedia.com][3]). Another protester interviewed off‑camera was captured saying, “We stand with Iran against foreign aggression.”
President Tinubu’s office has not yet responded to the petitions from Katsina. If the President chooses to formally appeal to U.S. or Israeli authorities, this could signal a significant shift in Nigeria’s foreign policy, aligning more clearly with global diplomatic calls for de-escalation.
The Katsina demonstration follows a broader pattern of international protests. Similar youth-led rallies have taken place across the Muslim world, echoing demands to halt Western involvement in the Iran–Israel conflict.
As regional tensions rise, Nigerian civil society is increasingly vocal, urging leadership to reflect public sentiment. Whether President Tinubu will act on the Katsina youths’ demands remains to be seen.
