The unending protest of the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as the Shiites, has claimed the life a top police officer with the Federal Capital Territory Police Command while leaving a television journalist critically injured after being shot on duty.

The deceased has been identified as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, DCP Umar Usman.

DCP Umar was killed on Monday afternoon by the protesters while trying to prevent the destruction of property at the axis of the federal secretariat and three arms zone.

Consequent of the violence, security was beefed up at the Force headquarters to prevent reprisal attacks over the arrest of scores of the protesters who are demanding the release of the spiritual sect leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El Zakzaky.

During the protest, a Channels Television Reporter was hit by a stray bullet.

Policemen who cordoned off the road leading to the National Assembly and the three arms zone disrupted the protest by the Shiites, firing teargas to disperse the crowd.

•Based on reports by PRNigeria and Channels TV.