Protests have erupted across Nigeria's Gombe, Niger, Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, and Sokoto states following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by an Israeli airstrike on Saturday during a joint US-Israeli military operation. Nigeria is home to Africa's largest Shiite community, many of whom regard Khamenei as their spiritual guide. Despite the unrest, the Nigerian government has adopted a cautious and balanced stance, avoiding alignment with either Iran or the US-Israeli coalition. Abuja has instead emphasized de‑escalation, diplomacy, and warnings about the broader regional instability the conflict could trigger. Nigeria, along with Kenya, voiced concerns over the potential spread of insecurity and the economic ripple effects the conflict may unleash. Both countries urged all sides to return to diplomacy rather than continue military exchanges.…