Terrorists don’t represent any religion – Tambuwal

Senator representing Sokoto South in the National Assembly, Aminu Tambuwal, has said terrorists neither respect nor represent any religion, describing them as common criminals attacking innocent citizens across the country.

Tambuwal, who also served as Sokoto State governor from 2015 to 2023, said those carrying out violent attacks in different parts of Nigeria are merely exploiting vulnerable targets and waging war against people of all faiths, warning against attempts to frame the country’s security crisis along religious lines.

He described Nigeria’s security situation as “very concerning and alarming,” cautioning political leaders and the international community against politicising the worsening insecurity.

Tambuwal spoke on Saturday while addressing journalists in Sokoto, in response to Nigeria’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States President, Donald Trump.

He described the designation as “quite unfortunate,” arguing that it failed to capture the true nature and complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.

“I would like to believe that President Trump and the American government did not fully grasp or appreciate the Nigerian situation. What we are facing is not a religious crisis but a security crisis affecting Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds.

“These marauders do not represent any religion. How else can one explain what they are doing in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and other states? They are common criminals, attacking every soul they come across,” he said.

Tambuwal stressed that insecurity has become a national problem that cuts across politics, ethnicity, and religion, insisting that urgent and collective action is required to address the situation.

He called on the United States and other global partners to reconsider their stance and instead support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in tackling the crisis.

“It’s not about Bola Tinubu as a person. It’s not about APC or party politics. It’s about our country. Any country—America, France, the UK, Canada—that can support Nigeria to overcome insecurity should please do so,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a former governor, Tambuwal recalled how all 36 governors, irrespective of party affiliation, once jointly supported the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to procure military assets to strengthen national security.

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However, he alleged that Nigeria was unable to fully deploy the acquired aircraft because the United States did not supply all the necessary components.

“At that time, about one billion dollars was taken from consolidated revenue funds to acquire Tucano aircraft. It wasn’t about party politics,” he said.

“The Nigerian Air Force did not receive the full complement of the Tucano assets, which limited their deployment,” Tambuwal added.

He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to rise above political differences and work together to confront the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.

“As leaders, we must support the government locally and nationally. Everyone is affected. This is a Nigerian problem that requires Nigerian solutions, supported by our friends globally,” he said.

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