UPDATE 1-Police fire teargas at Shi'ite protesters in Nigerian capital - Reuters witness

Police fired teargas at a protesting Shi'ite group in Nigeria's capital city Abuja, a Reuters witness saw on Thursday.

Hundreds gathered outside government buildings to demand the release of their leader two days after clashes with police left at least two dead and 40 protesters in police custody. Protesters ran and threw stones as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a group that represents Nigeria's minority Shi'ite Muslims, has said they will continue protesting until they secure the release of their leader, Ibrahim Zakzaky, who has been in detention since 2015. On Tuesday, Nigeria's National Assembly went into lockdown after gunshots erupted during a violent confrontation between the sides. Each side blamed the other for the gunfire.