Concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, the Supreme Council for Shariah has urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively against banditry, terrorism, killings, and kidnappings.
Despite repeated assurances from government officials that the security issues were being resolved, the Council claimed that Nigerians were still waking up every day to reports of violent attacks.
According to a statement released by the Council’s Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, Naija News says that the country’s level of insecurity has reached an alarming level and calls for more than just pledges and formal declarations.
According to the Council, recent incidents in the states of Borno, Oyo, Niger, and Zamfara demonstrated that numerous communities were still at risk from armed gangs, terrorists, and kidnappers.
The recent kidnapping of a retired Army General and his spouse in Katsina State was also mentioned, and it was described as another proof that criminal organizations were growing bolder.
The Council claims that because attacks in underserved and rural areas are frequently unreported, the true scope of the problem may be more than what is documented in official documents and media accounts.
It stated that thousands of Nigerians had been slain, kidnapped, or displaced in recent months, according to reports from security monitoring and human rights organizations.
The Council also cited statistics indicating that during the first quarter of this year, over 1,000 persons were abducted throughout northern Nigeria.
“Nigerians Are Weary Of Promises”
The Council expressed sadness that the security situation had not significantly improved despite repeated appeals from traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
It stated that Nigerians desired tangible outcomes rather than reassurances from those in positions of power.
“Nigerians are fed up with government rhetoric, committees, speeches, pledges, and condolences that are not accompanied by tangible action and quantifiable results. Decisive action and observable outcomes are what the country needs right now, the statement stated.
The Council reminded the Federal Government that one of its core constitutional duties is still to protect people and property.
It further stated that no government could be considered successful when a significant portion of the nation was still vulnerable to criminal assaults.
The Council acknowledged the sacrifices made by military and security forces serving in various operations, but expressed worry about what it called broader shortcomings in strategy, planning, and leadership.
It stated that security officers were still suffering greatly in the battle against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
Nonetheless, the Council stated that more has to be done by the Federal Government to give people on the front lines clear guidance, improved coordination, and efficient support.
Additionally, the Council demanded that public expenditures allotted to the security sector be managed with more responsibility and openness.
It stated that Nigerians had a right to know how resources intended for security, intelligence gathering, and defense were being used.
Improved accountability, according to the group, would help build public confidence and guarantee that security monies are used for the intended purposes.
The Council called on the government to take more creative and aggressive steps to combat insecurity across.
Improved intelligence collection, the use of contemporary technology, increased cooperation between security services, community involvement, and efficient border control were among the methods mentioned.
Nigerians now anticipate capable leadership, decisive action, and quantifiable progress in reestablishing peace, the Council cautioned against complacency.
It stated that in order to safeguard vulnerable groups and stop more deaths, immediate action was necessary given the current security situation.
