Sharia Council Warns of Growing Insecurity, Calls on Federal Government to Act

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has voiced alarm over the deteriorating security climate nationwide, urging the Federal Government to implement swift and decisive measures to curb the surge in killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry.

In a statement released by Secretary‑General Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council expressed frustration that Nigerians continue to face daily reports of violent crime, despite repeated assurances from officials that security challenges are being addressed.

The Council noted that the crisis has reached a critical level, citing recent incidents in Borno, Oyo, Niger and Zamfara states as evidence of the vulnerability of communities already burdened by years of insecurity.

It also highlighted the abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State, describing the event as further proof of the expanding reach of criminal groups and the escalating threat posed by kidnappers and armed gangs.

The Council observed that many attacks in rural and underserved areas often go unreported, suggesting that the true scale of the crisis may be far greater than official statistics and media coverage indicate.

Drawing on reports from security monitoring and human‑rights organisations, the Council stated that thousands of Nigerians have been killed, abducted or displaced in recent months, and that more than 1,000 people were kidnapped across northern Nigeria in the first quarter of the year.

It expressed disappointment that repeated appeals from traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil‑society organisations and other stakeholders for stronger security measures have yet to produce meaningful results.

“Nigerians are tired of speeches, promises, condolences, committees and official rhetoric that are not matched by concrete action and measurable outcomes. What the nation requires now is decisive intervention and visible results,” the statement read.

The Council reminded the Federal Government that protecting lives and property is a core constitutional duty, stressing that no administration can be deemed successful while large portions of the country remain exposed to criminal activity.

While acknowledging the sacrifices and commitment of military and security personnel deployed across various operations, the Council said its criticism targeted what it described as broader shortcomings in leadership and strategy for confronting the security crisis.

It also called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to the security sector, arguing that citizens deserve to know how resources earmarked for defence and intelligence operations are being utilised.

The Council urged the government to adopt more innovative and proactive security measures, including improved intelligence gathering, deployment of modern technology, stronger inter‑agency collaboration, enhanced community participation and more effective border control.

Warning against complacency, the Council said Nigerians now expect competent leadership, concrete action and measurable progress in restoring peace and security across the country.

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