Sharia Council urges decisive action to end insecurity in Nigeria

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to halt the wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry threatening lives and livelihoods.

A statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, said the Council lamented that Nigerians continue to wake daily to reports of violent crimes, while official assurances have failed to translate into improved security on the ground.

The council said, “The security situation had deteriorated to an alarming level, the recent mass abductions and attacks in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states, which exposed the vulnerability of communities already grappling with years of insecurity.”

It also described the recent abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State as further evidence of the deepening crisis, saying that no segment of society appears immune from the activities of criminal elements.

According to the council, the reported incidents represent only a fraction of the tragedies suffered daily by Nigerians, many of which go unreported in remote and underserved communities.

It cited reports from security monitoring and human rights organisations indicating that thousands of Nigerians have been killed, abducted or displaced in recent months, while over 1,000 persons were reportedly kidnapped in northern Nigeria during the first quarter of the year.

The council expressed disappointment that repeated calls by traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders for stronger security measures have yielded little result despite years of assurances from government.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees and official rhetoric not backed by action or results. What the nation needs now is decisive action and measurable results,” the statement said.

The council reminded the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property is a constitutional responsibility, stressing that no administration can claim success while large portions of the country remain exposed to criminal groups operating with apparent impunity.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of military and security personnel, the council said its criticism was not directed at officers risking their lives daily in defence of the nation, but at the failure of leadership to effectively address the crisis.

It also called for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public funds allocated to the security sector, arguing that Nigerians deserve explanations on how trillions of naira appropriated for defence and intelligence operations have been utilised.

The council urged government to adopt bold and unconventional strategies, including enhanced intelligence gathering, deployment of technology, stronger inter-agency collaboration, community participation and improved border security, warning that the time for excuses had passed and that Nigerians now demand visible results and competent leadership.

Sharia Council urges decisive action to end insecurity in Nigeria