Nigeria, July 12 -- The United States has advised its citizens in Nigeria to avoid large crowds and demonstrations in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, and Lagos, its commercial nerve centre.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria issued the alert on Friday ahead of 'expected' protest by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

"The U.S. Mission in Nigeria advises U.S. citizens that large demonstrations by protesters affiliated with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria are expected in the coming days throughout the country, including Abuja and Lagos.

"Protests by this group in the Nigerian capital on July 9 became violent, including exchanges of gunfire between protestors and Nigerian Police, resulting in a couple of deaths. The U.S. Mission advises ...