By Abubakar Yunusa
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, urging the government to move from largely reactive responses to intelligence-led and preventive operations as attacks, killings and abductions continue across the country.
The call was made by the JNI, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, following its assessment of recent security developments nationwide.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by its Secretary-General, Prof Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the organisation expressed “deep sorrow, grave concern and profound disappointment” over the deteriorating security situation.
JNI urged the Federal and state governments to provide stronger support to security agencies while improving intelligence gathering and operational coordination.
“Security agencies must increasingly move from predominantly reactive responses to intelligence-led, preventive operations, and be substantially supported by the Federal and state governments,” Aliyu said.
The Islamic organisation called for the identification and dismantling of bandit and terrorist camps, as well as the routes and networks supplying armed groups with weapons and other logistics.
It specifically demanded disruption of the supply of arms, ammunition, fuel, food, motorcycles and other materials used by criminal groups to sustain their operations.
The JNI also called for stronger intelligence sharing among the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies.
It urged the government to tighten control of Nigeria’s porous borders and improve monitoring of transnational criminal and terrorist networks.
The organisation further called for increased protection of vulnerable communities, schools, highways, places of worship, markets and other public spaces.
It said community-based intelligence should also be strengthened, while vigilante and local security arrangements must remain properly regulated and accountable.
Beyond military and policing measures, the JNI said the government must address the economic and social conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment by criminal networks.
It also called for coordinated and humane enforcement against illegal mining, with authorities distinguishing legitimate artisanal miners from criminal networks.
The group stressed that persons arrested in connection with illegal mining must be treated in accordance with the law.
The call comes amid renewed scrutiny of detention practices following the deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths and suspended the Niger State Commandant and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of the probe.
The JNI urged the establishment of credible systems for monitoring detention facilities to ensure that people in state custody are protected from abuse, neglect and avoidable loss of life.
It also called for appropriate medical, psychological and social support for victims of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry after their release.
On the spiritual dimension of the crisis, the organisation urged Muslims across the country to intensify prayers and acts of worship for divine intervention.
“At this difficult moment, JNI calls upon Muslims across Nigeria to intensify Du’a, Istighfar, Qiyam al-Layl, Sadaqah and other acts of worship, seeking the mercy and protection of Allah, the Most High for our country,” Aliyu said.
The organisation particularly urged Imams, Ulama, Islamic organisations and Muslim communities to devote portions of their Friday Khutbahs, congregational prayers and personal supplications to the security challenges facing the nation.
The JNI prayed for the souls of Nigerians killed in terrorist attacks, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of insecurity.
It also prayed for those still in captivity, asking Allah to protect them and grant them safe and speedy reunions with their families.
The organisation expressed concern for Nigerians injured, displaced and traumatised by violence, praying for their healing, restoration and lasting peace.
It further prayed for the families of the 37 people who died in NSCDC custody in Niger State, urging that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be fully and transparently established.
“We equally pray for the families of the 37 persons who died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State, asking Allah to grant them comfort and justice, while urging that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be fully and transparently established,” Aliyu said.
The organisation also remembered members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies confronting terrorists and criminal elements across the country.
It prayed for their protection and guidance, as well as victory for those faithfully carrying out their lawful duties.
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