End Bloodshed Across Nigeria, Sultan Tells Tinubu

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to urgently end bloodshed across the country.

In a statement issued yesterday by JNI secretary-general Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan prayed for the restoration of peace in the North and in Nigeria as a whole.

He also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture, stressing that security agencies must increasingly move from predominantly reactive responses to intelligence-led preventive operations, “and be substantially supported by the federal and state governments.”

According to him, particular attention should be paid to identifying and dismantling bandit and terrorist camps and supply routes, “The disruption of arms, ammunition, fuel, food, motorcycle and other logistics networks sustaining armed groups is important.”

On the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, JNI welcomed the resolve of the federal government to institute an independent investigation and suspend officers connected with the incident, pending the outcome of the process, “although the incident raises serious questions concerning the circumstances of the arrests, conditions of detention, access to medical attention, supervision of detainees and the circumstances in which such a large number of persons could lose their lives while in state custody”

He said, “The national headquarters of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of its President- General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR,mni, after careful security situational assessments and follow-up of events relating to several unwarranted attacks, reported killings, abductions and deaths of unsuspecting Nigerian citizens, expresses deep sorrow, grave concern and profound disappointment over the continuing deterioration of the security situation across several parts of Nigeria”

JNI noted that, “Recent incidents across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue, Plateau states and other parts of Nigeria present a disturbing picture that should concern every responsible Nigerian. In Sokoto State alone, recent attacks have resulted in deaths, injuries, abductions and cattle rustling, while military operations continue to rescue kidnapped citizens and disrupt terrorist activities”

“The alarming series of killings, abductions, terrorist attacks, banditry, and cattle rustlings, on communities, as well as assaults on security personnel, destruction of livelihoods and the persistent terrorisation of innocent citizens, has once again brought into sharp focus the grave insecurity confronting the Nigerian state”

The statement further said, “Therefore, the JNI is particularly disturbed that, despite reported sustained military and security operations in various theatres, innocent citizens continue to be killed, abducted and kidnapped from their homes and highways, displaced from their communities/homes and subjected to fear and psychological trauma.”

“JNI therefore urges all relevant authorities to treat the current situation with the highest level of urgency, seriousness and national coordination. May Allah bring an end to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and all forms of bloodshed in Nigeria. May He restore peace and security to Northern Nigeria and the entire country. May Allah protect Nigeria.” JNI stated.

JNI added, “Strengthening intelligence sharing and synergy among the Armed Forces, Police, DSS, NSCDC and other relevant agencies. Effective control of Nigeria’s porous borders and the monitoring of transnational criminal and terrorist networks. Protection of vulnerable communities, schools, highways, places of worship, markets and other public spaces.

“Strengthening community-based intelligence, while ensuring that vigilante and local security arrangements remain properly regulated and accountable. Addressing the economic and social conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment into criminal networks”

“Tackling illegal mining through lawful, coordinated and humane enforcement, while distinguishing legitimate artisanal miners from criminal networks and ensuring that arrested persons are treated in accordance with the law. Establishing credible systems for monitoring detention facilities so that persons in state custody are protected from abuse, neglect or avoidable loss of life,” the statement said.