,,,,,,Calls For Urgent And Decisive Actions
— Calls for Sustained Security Operations, Protection of Communities, Accountability and Prayers for the Victims
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of its President- General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, after careful security situational assessments and follow-up of events relating several unwarranted attacks, reported killings, abductions and deaths of unsuspecting Nigerian citizens expresses deep sorrow, grave concern and profound disappointment over the continuing deterioration of the security situation across several parts of Nigeria.
The alarming series of killings, abductions, terrorist attacks, banditry, and cattle rustlings, on communities, as well as assaults on security personnel, destruction of livelihoods and the persistent terrorisation of innocent citizens has once again brought into sharp focus the grave insecurity confronting the Nigerian state. Therefore, the JNI is particularly disturbed that, despite reported sustained military and security operations in various theatres, innocent citizens continue to be killed, abducted and kidnapped from their homes and highways, displaced from their communities/homes and subjected to fear and psychological trauma.
In a statement signed by Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, its Secretary-General he said ; “Recent incidents across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue, Plateau states and other parts of Nigeria present a disturbing picture that should concern every responsible Nigerian. In Sokoto State alone, recent attacks have resulted in deaths, injuries, abductions and cattle rustling, while military operations continue to rescue kidnapped citizens and disrupt terrorist activities.”
“In one of the latest operations, troops reportedly rescued 23 kidnapped persons and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, while in the North-East, Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists continue to demonstrate their capacity to attack vulnerable communities and challenge security formations, thereby prolonging the suffering of populations that have endured years of insurgency. For how long will these senseless events continue in Nigeria? Does it mean that there’s no finality to the security melee?
JNI is equally concerned by the continuing spread of criminal kidnapping and banditry for ransom across the North-West and North-Central zones, where communities are increasingly exposed to ransom demands, illegal levies, cattle rustling, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities.
THE NIGER STATE TRAGEDY
Of particular and immediate concern to JNI is the reported death of 37 persons, while in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody, in Niger State, following their arrest during an alleged illegal-mining operation. The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths are deeply disturbing and demand the fullest transparency. JNI also acknowledges the position of the authorities that the precise cause of death remains subject to investigation. We welcome the decision of the Federal Government to institute an independent investigation and suspend officers connected with the incident, pending the outcome of the process, although the incident raises serious questions concerning the circumstances of the arrests, conditions of detention, access to medical attention, supervision of detainees and the circumstances in which such a large number of persons could lose their lives while in state custody.
“Reports that some of those detained may have been young lads make the matter even more painful and urgent. The deaths have also generated public protests and tension in Minna, Niger state capital, demonstrates how incidents involving loss of confidence in security institutions can rapidly develop into wider public-order challenges. JNI thus calls for an investigation that is transparent, independent, thorough, timely and credible, with no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, JNI cautions against prejudging the outcome of the investigation.
Responsibility must be established on the basis of evidence, due process and the rule of law.
JNI CONDEMNS THE KILLING AND ABDUCTION OF INNOCENT CITIZENS
JNI unequivocally condemns the killing and abduction of innocent citizens, irrespective of their ethnic, political, religious or geographical identity. There can be no justification whatsoever for the deliberate cum contemptuous killing of human beings, kidnapping of civilians, destruction of homes and livelihoods, imposition of illegal levies on communities, cattle rustling, sexual violence, intimidation or the use of terror to force citizens from their respective homes.
JNI also condemns every form of terrorism, banditry, armed criminality and violent extremism, as well as all forms of communal violence and criminality masquerading as religious, ethnic or political grievances. Islam places the sanctity of human life beyond dispute. Consequently, no grievance, ideology, political interest, economic desperation or religious claim can provide justification for terrorism or the deliberate killing of innocent people.
GOVERNMENT MUST PROTECT THE PEOPLE
As its cardinal constitutional responsibility, Government must protect the people, thus, JNI recognises and appreciates the sacrifices being made by officers and men of the Armed Forces, Police, NSCDC, DSS, Civilian Joint Task Forces, Vigilance Groups and other lawful security formations. Many security personnel have paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
However, the continuing scale and recurrence of attacks require greater urgency, improved coordination, stronger intelligence, adequate equipment, effective border control, better welfare for security personnel and sustained operations against criminal and terrorist networks. Government must therefore ensure that no community is left at the mercy of armed criminals and that citizens do not become accustomed to living under the permanent threat of abduction, killing and displacement. We would like to state unequivocally that where existing approaches are proving inadequate, the appropriate response is not complacency or rhetoric, but an honest reassessment of strategies, mobilisation of additional lawful capacity and decisive correction of identified weaknesses. Government must demonstrate to Nigerians that their security remains its foremost responsibility.
SECURITY MUST GO BEYOND REACTIVE OPERATIONS
JNI further calls for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture. Security agencies must increasingly move from predominantly reactive responses to intelligence-led preventive operations, and be substantially supported by the Federal and state governments.
Particular attention should be paid to:
i. The identification and dismantling of bandit and terrorist camps and supply routes.
ii. The disruption of arms, ammunition, fuel, food, motorcycle and other logistics networks sustaining armed groups.
iii. Strengthening intelligence sharing and synergy among the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, NSCDC and other relevant agencies.
iv. Effective control of Nigeria’s porous borders and the monitoring of transnational criminal and terrorist networks.
v. Protection of vulnerable communities, schools, highways, places of worship, markets and other public spaces.
vi. Strengthening community-based intelligence, while ensuring that vigilante and local security arrangements remain properly regulated and accountable.
vii. Addressing the economic and social conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment into criminal networks.
viii. Tackling illegal mining through lawful, coordinated and humane enforcement, while distinguishing legitimate artisanal miners from criminal networks and ensuring that arrested persons are treated in accordance with the law.
ix. Establishing credible systems for monitoring detention facilities so that persons in state custody are protected from abuse, neglect or avoidable loss of life.
x. Ensuring that victims of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry receive appropriate medical, psychological and social support after their release.
A CALL TO THE UMMAH FOR PRAYERS
At this difficult moment, JNI calls upon Muslims across Nigeria to intensify Du‘a, Istighfar, Qiyam al-Layl, Sadaqah and other acts of worship, seeking the mercy and protection of Allah, the Most High for our country.
The JNI particularly urges Imams, Ulama, Islamic organisations and Muslim communities to devote portions of their Friday Khutbahs, congregational prayers and personal supplications to the security situation confronting the nation.
JNI further prays for the souls of all those who have lost their lives in terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of insecurity. We pray that Allah, the Most Forgiving, forgives their shortcomings, grants them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and gives their families the fortitude to bear their losses. We pray particularly for those currently in captivity: that Allah protects them, strengthens them and grants them a safe and speedy reunion with their families.
“We also pray for those who have been injured, displaced, traumatised or otherwise affected by the violence, asking Allah to heal their wounds, restore their livelihoods and grant them lasting peace. We equally pray for the families of the 37 persons who died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State, asking Allah to grant them comfort and justice, while urging that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be fully and transparently established.
Likewise, we pray for the men and women of our Armed Forces and other security agencies who are confronting terrorists and criminal elements across the country. May Allah protect them, guide them and grant victory to those who faithfully discharge their lawful duties.
THE TIME FOR COMPLACENCY IS OVER
The frequency of these unfortunate incidents should not be allowed to become normalised in the consciousness of Nigerians. A nation cannot sustainably develop when its farmers cannot safely access their farms, children cannot attend school without fear, travellers cannot confidently use highways, communities cannot sleep peacefully and families remain uncertain about the safety of their loved ones. JNI therefore urges all relevant authorities to treat the current situation with the highest level of urgency, seriousness and national coordination.
“May Allah bring an end to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and all forms of bloodshed in Nigeria. May He restore peace and security to Northern Nigeria and the entire country. May Allah protect Nigeria. May He protect our people. May He guide our leaders and security agencies to what is right.”
