Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has condemned kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes across the country, stressing that Nigerian Muslims are also victims of the worsening security situation.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a Democracy Day message issued on behalf of the council’s President-General, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the NSCIA expressed concern over the persistent insecurity affecting communities across Nigeria.
The organisation said banditry, kidnapping and terrorism continue to claim innocent lives, displace residents, disrupt livelihoods and undermine national development.
The council also cautioned against linking criminal activities to any religion or ethnic group, arguing that such narratives could deepen divisions and weaken efforts to tackle insecurity.
According to the NSCIA, attempts to associate Nigerian Muslims with banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes are unfair and misleading, noting that the overwhelming majority of Muslims are law-abiding citizens who contribute positively to national development.
The organisation reiterated that Islam does not support the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, terrorism or any form of criminal conduct, and urged those involved in violent activities to renounce their actions. It added that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity and requires collective action to address.
The council further expressed sympathy with victims of insecurity and their families, while calling for unity among Nigerians in the fight against criminality. It maintained that efforts to combat insecurity should focus on the perpetrators rather than assigning blame to entire religious or ethnic communities.
The statement was issued as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, during which the NSCIA also commended the country’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule while urging leaders to continue promoting justice, inclusion and national cohesion.
