The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to address the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorism and banditry.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Nafiu Baba Ahmad, the Council lamented that Nigerians continue to wake up daily to reports of violent crimes despite repeated assurances from government officials that security challenges are being tackled.
According to the Council, the security crisis has reached an alarming level, with recent incidents in Borno State, Oyo State, Niger State and Zamfara State highlighting the vulnerability of communities already grappling with years of insecurity.
The Council also referenced the recent abduction of a retired Army General and his wife in Katsina State, describing it as further evidence of the growing reach of criminal groups and the increasing threat posed by kidnappers and armed gangs.
It noted that many attacks in rural and underserved communities often go unreported, suggesting that the actual scale of the crisis may be significantly higher than reflected in official records and media reports.
Citing reports from security monitoring and human rights organisations, the Council said thousands of Nigerians have been killed, abducted or displaced in recent months. It also pointed to reports indicating that more than 1,000 people were kidnapped across northern Nigeria during the first quarter of the year.
