By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Nigerians to stop associating criminal activities with any religion or ethnic group.
Noting that ascribing labels can create division and make it harder to fight insecurity, the council asserted that criminals should be identified by their actions and not by their religion or ethnic background.
In its Democracy Day message released on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the council decried the state of insecurity in the country.
“Insecurity remains a serious challenge in the country, with banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes continuing to claim lives, force people from their homes and slow national development,” the statement read in part.
It also condemned all forms of violence and urged those involved in criminal activities to stop. The council also expressed sympathy for victims of insecurity and their families.
The council further raised concerns over attempts by some individuals and groups to link Nigerian Muslims to crimes such as banditry and kidnapping. It described such claims as false and unfair to the millions of peaceful Muslims contributing positively to the country’s growth.
The council referred to the recent kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. It said some people tried to connect the incident to Islam, Muslims and Sharia law, but later developments showed those claims were not true.
The NSCIA also warned against ethnic profiling, noting that some suspects arrested in connection with the incident were not Fulani as earlier reported.
It called on media organisations, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to be professional, accurate and fair in their reports and public comments.
The council urged Nigerians to avoid statements capable of causing tension among different ethnic and religious groups. It also called for stronger cooperation between the government, security agencies and citizens in the fight against insecurity.
The NSCIA congratulated Nigerians on the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, describing June 12 as an important symbol of the country’s democratic journey and a reminder of the need for justice, accountability, inclusion and respect for human dignity.
The council also commended the efforts of the government and security agencies in tackling insecurity and prayed for lasting peace, stability and development in the country.