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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged authorities to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and securing the release of victims still in captivity following the latest attack on a secondary school in Borno State by terrorists.
The Council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, strongly condemned the attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa Town, Askira Uba Local Government Area, describing the incident as another disturbing reminder of the security challenges confronting the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council expressed sorrow over the killing of a teacher during the attack and the abduction of several students and members of staff, stressing that repeated attacks on educational institutions continue to threaten public safety and undermine the nation’s future.
According to the Council, attacks targeting schools and innocent civilians require sustained and coordinated action from security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences.
It stated: “The Council is of the strong opinion that the unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constitute a despicable crime against humanity. That these unfortunate incidents have continued to reoccur is a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future and must be stopped immediately.”
The NSCIA noted that the latest incident followed the May 15 abduction of 42 pupils of Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, as well as the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day, observing that many of those victims are yet to regain their freedom.
It expressed concern over the apparent tactics employed by the attackers, noting that the incident underscored the need for stronger preventive security measures.
“The Council is particularly disturbed that the terrorists exploited Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching their assault. This demonstrates that terrorists continue to adapt their methods and exploit security gaps.”
To address the evolving security threats, the Council called for significant improvements in intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, collaboration among security agencies, and the strengthening of community-based early warning systems capable of detecting threats before attacks occur.
It further urged governments at various levels to invest in modern security technology, pointing to recent innovations introduced by the Enugu State Government as a model worthy of consideration.
“The recent Enugu State Government model of upgrading its security architecture with an AI-driven, tech-heavy model, whose key features include a newly launched Command and Control Centre, sophisticated surveillance drones and 150 AI-embedded patrol vehicles that can identify threats and track criminals instantly across the state, should be embraced and strengthened.”
While acknowledging the response of security forces, the Council commended personnel of Operation HADIN KAI for their efforts, noting that the deployment of both ground and air assets contributed to the rescue of some of those abducted during the attack.
It, however, maintained that rescue operations should continue until every victim regains freedom.
“The Council commends the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces, especially the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, whose swift deployment of ground and air assets resulted in the rescue of some of the abducted students and teachers. While this achievement deserves commendation, the operation must not cease until every abducted child and member of staff are rescued alive and reunited with their families.”
The Council also paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
“The Council mourns the gallant soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation. Their bravery and patriotism have strengthened the determination required to defeat terrorism.”
Reaffirming its longstanding position on violent extremism, the Council stated that terrorist organisations have no religious justification for their actions.
“The Council reiterates that terrorism has no place in Islam. Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity whose actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge. Those who murder innocent people, abduct children, terrorise communities, and destroy schools cannot in any way claim to represent Islam or any recognised religious tradition.”
The Council also extended condolences to the Borno State Government, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, families of those affected and residents impacted by the attack.
“The Council commiserates with the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the parents and families of the abducted students, and all those affected by this latest tragedy.”
Reiterating its appeal for sustained action against insecurity, the Council maintained that the country should remain resolute in confronting terrorism while ensuring that perpetrators are brought before the law.
“The Council reaffirms that Nigeria must never surrender to terror. Those who wage war against innocent citizens must be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and made to face the full weight of the law to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the country.”
