1. The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) wishes to register its profound outrage over the worsening state of insecurity across our country. Every day, Nigerians wake up to fresh reports of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, banditry, and violent crimes, while government officials continue to offer assurances that bear little resemblance to the reality confronting ordinary citizens.

2. The security situation has deteriorated to an alarming level. In recent months, Nigerians have witnessed a disturbing wave of mass abductions, killings, and attacks on communities across the country. The recent mass abduction in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara State, which reportedly involved hundreds of residents, shocked the nation and exposed the vulnerability of communities that have already endured years of insurgency. Equally disturbing was the abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State, which further demonstrates the extent of the crisis.

3. These incidents represent only a small proportion of the daily tragedies faced by Nigerians, many of which go unreported. According to security monitoring organisations and human rights groups, including ConfikTraka, thousands of Nigerians have been killed, abducted, or displaced in recent months. Reports further indicate that more than one thousand individuals were abducted in northern Nigeria during the first quarter of the year alone. Behind each statistic lies a human story, a life cut short or disrupted, a grieving family, and a community forced to live in fear, uncertainty, and insecurity.

4. The Council notes with great disappointment that for years, patriotic Nigerians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and groups including the Council, civil society organizations, and concerned stakeholders have repeatedly called on government to discharge its primary constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property. These appeals have always been met with assurances of actions, yet the situation continues to deteriorate. 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.

5. The Federal Government must understand that security is not a favour to citizens; it is its fundamental constitutional obligation. The time has come for those entrusted with leadership to either effectively perform their responsibilities or relinquish their positions to those who can. No government can legitimately claim success while vast portions of its territory remain vulnerable to criminal elements who operate with apparent impunity.

6. The Council acknowledges and appreciates the sacrifices, patriotism, and courage of the overwhelming majority of our men and women in uniform who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of the nation. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice, while others continue to serve under extremely difficult conditions. Our criticism is therefore not directed at these patriotic officers and personnel who remain committed to the defence of our country.

7. The Council joins millions of Nigerians in demanding greater accountability and transparency regarding the enormous public resources allocated annually to the security sector. Trillions of naira belonging to taxpayers have been appropriated over the years for defence, intelligence gathering, military operations, security infrastructure, procurement, and logistics. Nigerians deserve to know how these resources are being utilized and why the security situation continues to worsen despite such massive expenditure. Transparency, accountability, and value for money are indispensable if public confidence is to be restored.

8. The Council further believes that the current security crisis requires bold, unconventional, and radical measures. Incremental approaches and business-as-usual strategies have clearly failed. Government must mobilise all lawful national capabilities, including intelligence, technology, inter-agency coordination, community participation, border security, local intelligence networks, and rapid-response mechanisms, to decisively confront criminal networks.

9. Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous trajectory. The blood of innocent citizens cries out for justice. Communities cannot continue to be abandoned to terrorists and criminals. Parents cannot continue to live in fear for their children. Farmers cannot continue to abandon their farms. Citizens cannot continue to travel on highways uncertain whether they will arrive alive at their destinations.

The nation demands action. The time for excuses has passed. The time for demonstration of decisive and competent leadership is now.

Nafiu Baba Ahmad, mni
Secretary General
Issued this 21st day of Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH (7th June 2026)