By Mustapha Saye, from Kaduna
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for urgent and decisive action to address the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
JNI, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, expressed deep concern over the persistent killings, abductions, terrorist attacks, banditry, cattle rustling and attacks on security personnel across the country.
The organisation said recent incidents recorded in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states had further highlighted the serious security challenges confronting Nigerians.
JNI said despite ongoing military and security operations, innocent citizens were still being killed, kidnapped and displaced from their communities, with many living under fear and psychological trauma.
The organisation also raised alarm over the reported deaths of 37 persons while in NSCDC custody in Niger State following their arrest during an alleged illegal-mining operation.
It welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to order an independent investigation and suspend officers connected with the incident, while demanding a transparent, thorough and credible investigation to establish responsibility based on evidence and due process.
Calls for stronger security measures
JNI urged the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and sharing, improve coordination among security agencies, provide adequate equipment and improve the welfare of security personnel.
It also called for the dismantling of bandit and terrorist camps and their supply routes, stronger border control and increased protection for vulnerable communities, schools, highways, markets and places of worship.
The organisation further urged security agencies to move from predominantly reactive operations to intelligence-led preventive measures capable of stopping attacks before they occur.
JNI calls for prayers
JNI called on Muslims across Nigeria to intensify prayers, Istighfar, Qiyam al-Layl and other acts of worship for peace and security in the country.
It prayed for the victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, as well as those still in captivity, displaced persons and members of the security agencies confronting criminal and terrorist groups.
The organisation warned that Nigerians must not become accustomed to living under constant fear, stressing that farmers, students, travellers and communities should be able to carry out their activities without fear of attacks.
JNI therefore urged all relevant authorities to treat the country’s security situation with the highest level of urgency, seriousness and national coordination.
