The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has commended the progress made in Nigeria’s democratic journey and the 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in the country. It noted that the significance of June 12 lies not only in its historical importance but also in its enduring reminder that democracy flourishes where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity prevail.
In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the council extolled the sacrifices of those who struggled for democracy, constitutional rule, and the enthronement of the rule of law in Nigeria. The NSCIA, however, expressed concern over the persistent security challenges confronting various parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of criminality. It lamented that these threats continue to claim innocent lives, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and undermine national development.
The statement reads, “NSCIA unequivocally condemns all acts of violence and criminality and, for the umpteenth time, admonishes those involved to abandon and repudiate their destructive activities. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. Indeed, insecurity affects all Nigerians, and collective efforts are required to address this menace.”
“The Council reiterates that Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminal conduct.”
The NSCIA also expressed concern over attempts in some quarters, both within and outside Nigeria, to unjustly associate Nigerian Muslims with the criminal activities of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes perpetrated by criminals. “We wish to state unequivocally that such religious profiling is false, misleading, and grossly unfair to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Nigerian Muslims who continue to live, work, and contribute positively to national development across all sectors of society. The perpetrators of the recent mischief created to criminalise Islam and Muslims did not even take into consideration the safety of the people in captivity.”
“While some mischief-makers were hell-bent on criminalising Muslims and Shariah for the kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, recent developments have vindicated Muslims of the attempted false-criminalisation.”
The council emphasized that the perennial ethnic profiling is also misleading, adding that the identity of the suspects arrested so far in connection with the Orire LGA, Oyo State, unfortunate saga did not show them as Fulanis, contrary to the initial and erroneous report. “This should stop, and anyone who commits crimes should be labelled with the crimes committed and duly prosecuted according to the enabling laws of the land. While it is enough that Nigerian Muslims themselves are victims of not only terrorism but also discrimination and persecution, it is also sad that they are being falsely criminalised for being the perpetrators. Indeed, they are being made to suffer double jeopardy.”
The Council called on the media, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders to exercise professionalism and fairness in their reporting and public commentary, adding that narratives capable of inflaming tensions or deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities should be avoided. The NSCIA insisted that criminality should neither be given ethnic nor religious coloration, as such narratives deepen divisions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and achieve lasting peace.
The Council commended the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling insecurity and called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to restore peace and stability across the country.
