Shariah Council Makes Fresh Demand Amid Rising Insecurity In Nigeria

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action against killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry.

The Council said Nigerians had continued to wake up daily to reports of violent attacks despite repeated assurances from government officials that the security challenges were being addressed.

Naija News reports that in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council said the level of insecurity in the country had become alarming and required more than promises and official statements.

The Council said recent attacks in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states showed that many communities remained vulnerable to terrorists, kidnappers and armed gangs.

It also cited the recent abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State, describing the incident as further evidence that criminal groups were becoming more daring.

According to the Council, attacks in rural and underserved communities are often not reported, meaning the actual scale of the crisis may be higher than what is captured in official records and media reports.

It said reports from security monitoring and human rights organisations indicated that thousands of Nigerians had been killed, abducted or displaced in recent months.

The Council also referred to reports suggesting that more than 1,000 people were kidnapped across northern Nigeria in the first quarter of the year.

‘Nigerians Tired Of Promises’

The Council expressed disappointment that repeated appeals by traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders had not produced meaningful improvement in the security situation.

It said Nigerians wanted concrete results, not repeated assurances from those in authority.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees and official rhetoric that are not matched by concrete action and measurable outcomes. What the nation requires now is decisive intervention and visible results,” the statement said.

The Council reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remained one of its primary constitutional responsibilities.

It added that no administration could be regarded as successful while large parts of the country remained exposed to criminal attacks.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of military and security personnel deployed across different operations, the Council said its concern was with what it described as wider failures in leadership, planning and strategy.

It noted that security personnel had continued to pay a heavy price in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

However, the Council said the Federal Government must do more to provide clear direction, better coordination and effective support for those on the front lines.

The Council also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the security sector.

It said Nigerians deserved to know how resources meant for defence, intelligence gathering and security operations were being used.

The group argued that improved accountability would help strengthen public trust and ensure that security funds are deployed for the purpose for which they were approved.

The Council urged the government to adopt more innovative and proactive measures to tackle insecurity across the country.

It listed such measures to include improved intelligence gathering, deployment of modern technology, stronger collaboration among security agencies, community participation and effective border control.

The Council warned against complacency, saying Nigerians now expected competent leadership, decisive action and measurable progress in restoring peace.

It maintained that the current security situation demanded urgent intervention to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives.