NSCIA Demands Urgent Security Reform, Rejects Claims Of Christian Genocide In Nigeria

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the country’s insecurity affects citizens across religious lines and should not be presented as a conflict targeting any particular faith.

The Council also rejected claims in some quarters that Christians or any religious community are facing genocide in Nigeria, urging Nigerians and the government to approach the country’s security challenges with greater objectivity and a commitment to national cohesion.

These were among the key resolutions reached at the General Assembly of the NSCIA held at the Abuja National Mosque on Thursday, October 1, 2026, under the theme: “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.”

The Assembly, presided over by the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, brought together prominent traditional rulers, chief imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In its communique signed by the Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, and made available to journalists on Wednesday, the Council stressed that insecurity remains a national problem that cuts across religious boundaries.

“Insecurity in Nigeria affects all Nigerians regardless of faith,” the Council said, while rejecting what it described as claims in some quarters that there is a genocide against Christians or any other religious community in the country.

The NSCIA consequently called on the Federal Government to undertake a fundamental review of the nation’s security architecture to address the persistent threats confronting Nigerians.

While expressing support for decentralised policing, the Council said any such arrangement must be carefully structured to prevent abuse and ensure that security institutions operate within the framework of the law.

It listed professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding and respect for fundamental rights as essential conditions for security reform.

The Council also stressed the need for effective coordination between federal and state security institutions, suggesting that decentralisation should complement rather than undermine national security.

The call comes amid persistent concerns over insecurity in different parts of the country, with communities continuing to face threats from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of criminality.

Beyond security, the NSCIA linked national stability to the economic conditions confronting ordinary Nigerians.

It charged the federal government to accelerate measures aimed at drastically reducing the cost of food and transportation, saying the hardship being experienced by citizens required urgent attention.

The Council, however, acknowledged government’s efforts towards revamping the economy, while urging authorities to intensify measures that would translate economic reforms into tangible relief for Nigerians.

On national cohesion, the Council also raised concern over attempts to portray Muslims as outsiders in parts of the country.

It specifically asserted that Islam has existed in Igboland for several decades and across generations, condemning any attempt to deny the indigenous presence of Muslims in the region.

The NSCIA said such attempts could contribute to the suppression of Muslims and normalisation of attacks against them, stressing the need to protect the rights and security of all Nigerians regardless of their faith or ethnic background.

The Council’s position on security was part of a broader appeal for unity and responsible conduct among Muslims and Nigerians generally.

It urged Muslim scholars to resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms rather than engaging in public attacks, while warning against the manipulation of religion to promote hatred, violence or attacks against people who hold different views.

The Assembly also called on Muslims to embrace the principle of Tabayyun, or verification and evidence, and avoid spreading unverified claims and accusations capable of damaging the reputation of individuals and leaders.

The NSCIA further urged Muslims to contribute actively to nation-building, describing faith as something that should be reflected in character and responsible citizenship rather than merely serving as an identity label.

It encouraged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers and Permanent Voter Cards and participate fully in the process of choosing leaders at all levels.

The Assembly also renewed the Council’s commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity, approving an expanded National Executive Committee, while adopting the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and endorsing its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.

The General Assembly was held after the National Prayer at the Abuja National Mosque and marked a major gathering of Muslim leaders under the leadership of the Sultan.