By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has declared that Islam neither supports nor permits criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence.
In a statement issued on Friday to commemorate Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, the council described insecurity as one of the country’s greatest challenges, affecting citizens across all regions and communities.
Signed by the NSCIA Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the statement said the June 12 celebration serves as a reminder that democracy can only thrive where justice, accountability, inclusion, and respect for human dignity are upheld.
“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 statement read.
The council acknowledged progress in Nigeria’s democratic journey but expressed concern over persistent security threats, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal acts that continue to claim innocent lives, destroy livelihoods, displace communities, and slow national development.
The NSCIA also condemned what it described as attempts by certain individuals and groups to associate Nigerian Muslims with violent crimes.
“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,” Jimoh said.
He added that recent efforts to portray Islam and Muslims as sponsors of criminality ignored the safety and wellbeing of victims held captive by kidnappers.
The council specifically referenced the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, alleging that some narratives falsely linked the incident to Islam and Muslims.
According to the NSCIA, subsequent findings contradicted those claims, citing an article by Farooq Kperogi titled “Don’t add lies to the terrorist horror in Oyo,” which argued that misinformation and propaganda should not be added to an already tragic incident.
The council further stated that Nigerian Muslims are themselves victims of terrorism, discrimination, and persecution, yet are unfairly portrayed as perpetrators of violence.
It called on the media, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to exercise professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in public commentary and reportage.
“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 statement added.
The NSCIA also commended the Federal Government, security agencies, and community leaders for ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and urged greater collaboration to restore peace and stability nationwide.
