By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has condemned attempts to associate Islam and Nigerian Muslims with incidents of kidnapping and banditry, describing such narratives as false, misleading and capable of deepening divisions in the country.
The Council, led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, stated this in a Democracy Day message issued on Thursday by its public affairs officer,Abbas Jimoh.
While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the NSCIA said the country must resist the temptation to give criminality ethnic or religious colouration.
The Council noted that as Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule on Friday, June 12, citizens should reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought for constitutional governance, justice and the rule of law.
It, however, expressed concern over the worsening security challenges confronting different parts of the country, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.
According to the NSCIA, the persistent insecurity has continued to claim innocent lives, displace communities, disrupt livelihoods and slow national development.
The Council condemned all forms of violence and urged those involved in criminal activities to renounce their actions in the interest of peace and national stability.
It said, “Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism or any form of criminal conduct.”
The NSCIA said it was disturbed by attempts in some quarters, both within and outside Nigeria, to portray Nigerian Muslims as accomplices in criminal activities.
It argued that the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the country are law-abiding citizens who continue to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
The Council cited the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying early efforts by some individuals to link the crime to Islam and Shariah had been overtaken by facts emerging from investigations.
According to the Council, the identities of suspects arrested in connection with the incident did not support the initial claims that the perpetrators were Fulani, a development it said vindicated Muslims against what it described as attempted false criminalisation.
The NSCIA also referenced an article by Professor Farooq Kperogi titled, “Don’t Add Lies to the Terrorist Horror in Oyo,” which criticised the spread of unverified claims and propaganda surrounding the incident.
The Council warned that religious and ethnic profiling only fuels mistrust and distracts from the urgent task of confronting insecurity.
It urged the media, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to uphold professionalism, fairness and accuracy in their reports and public commentaries.
“Anyone who commits crimes should be labelled with the crimes committed and duly prosecuted according to the enabling laws of the land,” the statement added.
The NSCIA commended the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies and community leaders in tackling insecurity and called for greater collaboration to restore peace across the country.
It also offered prayers for security personnel, asking Allah to strengthen and protect them in the discharge of their duties.
The Council urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day anniversary to renew their commitment to justice, unity and peaceful coexistence.
It added that the sacrifices of the nation’s democratic heroes should never be forgotten or allowed to be in vain.
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