*Photo: Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, President General of NSCIA *
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has
congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
This was contained in a statement by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh.
In the congratulatory statement, the NSCIA said “As the nation commemorates the 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance on
Friday, June 12, 2026, the Council joins all patriots in honouring the sacrifices of those who
struggled for democracy, constitutional rule, and the enthronement of the rule of law in Nigeria.
“The significance of June 12 lies not only in its historical importance but also in its enduring reminder that democracy flourishes where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity prevail.
“While acknowledging the progress made in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the NSCIA notes with
concern the persistent security challenges confronting various parts of the country, including
banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other forms of criminality. These threats continue to claim
innocent lives, disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and undermine national development.
“The Council unequivocally condemns all acts of violence and criminality and, for the umpteenth
time, admonishes those involved to abandon and repudiate their destructive activities. Our
thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. Indeed, insecurity affects all
Nigerians, and collective efforts are required to address this menace.
“The Council reiterates that Islam, like other divinely revealed religions, neither condones nor permits the shedding of innocent blood, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, or any form of criminal conduct.
“Similarly, the NSCIA is also disturbed by the unfortunate attempts in some quarters, both within and outside Nigeria, to unjustly associate Nigerian Muslims with the criminal activities of banditry,kidnapping, and other forms of violent crimes perpetrated by criminals.
“We wish to state unequivocally that such religious profiling is false, misleading, and grossly unfair
to the overwhelming majority of peace-loving Nigerian Muslims who continue to live, work, and
contribute positively to national development across all sectors of the society. The perpetrators of
the recent mischief created to criminalise Islam and the Muslims did not even take into
consideration the safety of the people in captivity.
“While some mischief-makers were hell-bent on criminalising the Muslims and the Shariah for the
kidnapping of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, recent
developments have vindicated the Muslims of the attempted false-criminalisation.
“Prof. Farooq Kperogi, in his recent article titled “Don’t Add Lies to the Terrorist Horror in Oyo,”
has rightly observed that the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State was already
horrifying and did not require embellishment through falsehoods, conjecture, half-truths, or
opportunistic propaganda.
“The perennial ethnic profiling is also misleading. The identity of the suspects arrested so far in
connection with the Orire LGA, Oyo State, unfortunate saga, did not show them as Fulanis,
contrary to the initial and erroneous report. This should stop, and anyone who commits crimes
should be labelled with the crimes committed and duly prosecuted according to the enabling laws
of the land.
“While it is enough that Nigerian Muslims themselves are victims of not only terrorism but also
discrimination and persecution, it is also sad that they are being falsely criminalised for being the
perpetrators. Indeed, they are being made to suffer double jeopardy.
The Council calls on the media, opinion leaders, and all stakeholders to exercise responsibility, professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in their reporting and public commentary. Narratives capable of inflaming tensions or deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse communities should
be avoided.
Criminality should neither be given ethnic nor religious coloration, as such narratives deepen
divisions and undermine collective efforts to address insecurity and achieve lasting peace.
“The Council commends the efforts of the Federal Government, security agencies, and community
leaders in tackling insecurity and calls for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to restore
peace and stability across the country.
“We pray for our security agencies that Allah strengthen and protect them in their efforts to
safeguard lives and property.
May the sacrifices of the heroes of our democratic struggle never be in vain.
“Happy Democracy Day to all Nigerians.”