In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and giving to relatives and forbids immorality, wrongdoing and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)
“…Whoever saves one life, it is as though he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, his companions and all those who follow his righteous path until the Day of Judgment.
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has continued to monitor with profound concern the state of our nation, particularly the persistent challenges of insecurity, economic hardship, moral decline, and the increasing burden placed upon ordinary Nigerians. While our nation continues to endure these enormous trials, we are equally encouraged whenever positive developments demonstrate that Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome these challenges through sincere leadership, national unity, and determined action.
It is in this regard that the Council welcomes with immense gratitude to Almighty Allah the successful rescue of the abducted school pupils and their teachers in Oyo State. Their freedom has brought relief not only to their families but also to millions of Nigerians who had fervently prayed for their safe return.
We congratulate the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency, and every security institution that contributed to the successful operation. The professionalism, coordination, intelligence gathering and courage demonstrated throughout the rescue operation deserve the appreciation of the entire nation.
The Council particularly pays glowing tribute to the gallant Nigerian Army and Police officers that paid the supreme sacrifice while protecting innocent Nigerian children. Their courage represents the finest tradition of patriotism and selfless service. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their respective families.
This encouraging development affirms a position consistently maintained by the Council over many years: Nigeria’s security challenge is not beyond the capacity of our security institutions. Whenever our armed forces and security agencies are adequately equipped, professionally led, intelligence-driven, properly funded, morally encouraged and insulated from undue interference, they have repeatedly demonstrated that they possess the competence, bravery and determination to defeat insurgency, terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.
The recent success should therefore not be viewed as isolated victory but as convincing evidence that sustained commitment, political will and institutional support can restore peace to every part of our country.
However, while Nigerians rightly celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Council believes it is necessary to draw attention to an equally important national concern.
Every Nigerian life possesses equal dignity before Allah SWT and deserves equal protection under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Every father mourning a kidnapped child feels the same pain irrespective of whether he resides in Ibadan, Maiduguri, Gusau, Sokoto, Minna, Katsina or Damaturu. Every mother waiting for the return of her son or daughter sheds the same tears irrespective of tribe, religion or geographical location.
The successful rescue operation in Oyo has demonstrated what the Nigerian State can accomplish when it mobilises all available resources towards saving innocent lives. It is therefore our respectful appeal that the same determination, urgency and national attention be extended to the thousands of Nigerians who unfortunately remain in captivity across different parts of the country.
Across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna and Borno States, many communities continue to suffer repeated attacks from terrorists and armed bandits. Farmers remain unable to cultivate their farms. Entire villages have been displaced. Women have been widowed, children orphaned, schools deserted and local economies destroyed by persistent insecurity.
The Council is particularly saddened by the plight of schoolchildren abducted from Askira-Uba and other communities affected by insurgency in the North-East, as well as countless victims whose stories rarely dominate national headlines. Their continued captivity is a painful reminder that the work of restoring security is far from complete. Their families deserve renewed hope, sustained rescue efforts and the assurance that they have not been forgotten.
The Council respectfully submits that the Federal Government should ensure that every Nigerian victim of terrorism or kidnapping receives equal commitment and attention, regardless of geographical location, ethnicity, religion or social status. Such an approach will further strengthen national unity, deepen public confidence and reinforce the constitutional obligation of government to protect every citizen.
The SCSN equally commends the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces, the Police, the DSS, Civil Defence, intelligence services, vigilante groups and responsible community volunteers who continue to risk their lives daily in defence of Nigeria. We equally acknowledge the families of officers who endure enormous hardship while their loved ones serve on dangerous frontlines. Their sacrifices must never be forgotten.
Nevertheless, military operations alone cannot permanently solve the security crisis. The Council therefore calls upon the Federal Government to consolidate the current gains through a comprehensive national security strategy that includes:
- Sustained and uninterrupted offensive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits until their operational capabilities are completely destroyed;
- Greater investment in modern military equipment, surveillance technology, intelligence gathering and air support;
- Improved welfare, insurance, medical care and housing for security personnel and adequate support for the families of officers who make the ultimate sacrifice;
- Aggressive prosecution of informants, collaborators, financiers and suppliers of weapons to criminal groups;
- Strengthening border security to curb the influx of illegal arms and foreign fighters;
- Closer collaboration between federal, state and local authorities as well as traditional and religious institutions;
- Enhanced support for victims of terrorism through rehabilitation, trauma care, education and economic recovery programmes.
Beyond insecurity, the Council remains deeply concerned about the prevailing economic hardship confronting millions of Nigerians. Inflation, unemployment, rising food prices and the increasing cost of living continue to impose severe burdens on ordinary families. While government has introduced reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, it remains imperative that deliberate measures be taken to cushion the effects on the most vulnerable members of society. Security and economic recovery are inseparable; lasting peace cannot flourish where poverty, hopelessness and unemployment persist.
The Council also calls upon Nigerians to reject ethnic hatred, religious bigotry and divisive rhetoric. Terrorists, kidnappers and bandits recognise neither tribe nor religion in their criminal enterprise. Our collective response must therefore be founded upon justice, national solidarity and mutual compassion.
We urge religious leaders to continue preaching peace, patience and righteousness; traditional rulers to strengthen community vigilance; parents to guide their children towards moral discipline; and citizens to cooperate responsibly with security agencies by providing credible intelligence while refraining from spreading false information capable of undermining ongoing operations.
Finally, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria reminds our leaders that governance is a sacred trust. Allah, the Exalted, will hold every leader accountable for the security, welfare and justice due to those placed under their authority. We therefore urge all public office holders to discharge this trust with sincerity, fairness and fear of Allah.
We pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Nigeria, strengthen our security agencies, comfort the families of our fallen heroes, grant freedom to every captive, heal the wounded, return peace to every troubled community, guide our leaders to justice and wisdom, and bless our nation with enduring security, prosperity and unity.
“Our Lord! Pour upon us patience, make our feet firm and grant us victory over those who spread corruption and oppression.” (Qur’an 2:250)
May Allah SWT continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria