Boko Haram, ISWAP are enemies of Islam —NSCIA

•Says terrorism remains grave existential threat to Nigeria

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared that terrorism remains a grave existential threat to Nigeria which demands an uncompromising national response.

The Council asserted that unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constitute a despicable crime against humanity.

Reacting to spates of terrorists’ attacks on schools in parts of Nigeria, including the recent attack carried out by terrorists on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa Town, in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, the NSCIA reiterated its stance that terrorism has no place in Islam.

A statement by the Public Affairs Officer of the Council, Abbas Jimoh, declared that Boko Haram and ISWAP “are enemies of Islam and humanity whose actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge”.

According to the statement, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expresses its profound outrage and unequivocally condemns Monday’s barbaric attack carried out by terrorists on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa Town, in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

“This reprehensible attack, during which a teacher was murdered and scores of innocent students and teachers were abducted, is yet another reminder that terrorism remains a grave existential threat to Nigeria and demands an uncompromising national response.

“The Council is of the strong opinion that the unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constitute a despicable crime against humanity.

“That these unfortunate incidents have continued to reoccur is a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future and must be stopped immediately.

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“The Council is greatly concerned that this latest attack comes a few weeks after the May 15 abduction of 42 pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day, all of whom remain in captivity.

“The Council is particularly disturbed that the terrorists exploited Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching their assault. This demonstrates that terrorists continue to adapt their methods and exploit security gaps.”

The apex Islamic body in Nigeria stated that intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and community-based early warning mechanisms must be significantly strengthened to reduce the vulnerability of our compatriots to terrorists’ attacks.

“The recent Enugu State Government model of upgrading its security architecture with an AI-driven, tech-heavy model, whose key features include a newly launched Command and Control Centre, sophisticated surveillance drones and 150 AI-embedded patrol vehicles that can identify threats and track criminals instantly across the state, should be embraced and strengthened.”

The Council then commended the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces, especially the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose swift deployment of ground and air assets resulted in the rescue of some of the abducted students and teachers.

“While this achievement deserves commendation, the operation must not cease until every abducted child and member of staff are rescued alive and reunited with their families,” it further stated.

The Council further mourned the gallant soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation, stating, “Their bravery and patriotism have strengthened the determination required to defeat terrorism.

It also commiserated with the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the parents and families of the abducted students, and all those affected by this latest tragedy.

While stating that terrorism has no place in Islam, the NSCIA declared that, “Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity whose actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge.

“Those who murder innocent people, abduct children, terrorise communities, and destroy schools cannot in any way claim to represent Islam or any recognised religious tradition.”

The NSCIA then reaffirmed that Nigeria must never surrender to terror and asserted,  “Those who wage war against innocent citizens must be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and made to face the full weight of the law to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the country.”