The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has warned the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action against rising insecurity and what it described as the continued marginalization of Muslims, cautioning that the community’s restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
In a statement issued on Monday, the council said Muslims across Nigeria had remained committed to peace despite repeated attacks, alleged profiling and discrimination. It urged the authorities to act swiftly before frustrations within the community escalate.
The statement was signed by the NSCIA’s Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, on behalf of the council led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
While the NSCIA continues to appeal to Muslims for continuous restraint, it is imperative that government and security agencies should act decisively before the Muslims run out of patience in the light of persistent attacks and unbridled marginalization, the statement said.
The council called on the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible for recent killings in Kaduna and Benue states are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to the NSCIA, bringing perpetrators to justice is essential to preventing further violence and preserving national stability.
Anything short of this is an invitation to anarchy, the council warned.
The organization also urged authorities to address what it described as increasing public attacks against Islam and Muslims, saying unchecked hostility could undermine peace and national cohesion.
The council further demanded an independent investigation into allegations that police officers handed over a female Muslim scholar to a mob that allegedly burned her to death.
It also requested an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the killing of the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), insisting that any officer linked to the incident should be investigated and prosecuted if found culpable.
The NSCIA said Muslims have consistently exercised restraint despite what it described as unwarranted provocation and negative profiling.
According to the council, the Muslim community remains committed to Nigeria’s unity, but warned that patience should not be interpreted as an unlimited resource.
It should be clear that restraint is not cowardice. But there is always a limit to endurance,” the statement added.
The council also alleged that Muslims continue to face discrimination in public appointments, particularly in parts of southern Nigeria, where it claimed Muslim officeholders are frequently replaced by non-Muslims after leaving office.
The Islamic body criticized comments attributed to a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), describing the remarks as inflammatory and questioning why regulatory authorities had not taken action.
It also accused Arise Television of applying double standards in its reporting of recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, arguing that coverage would have been different had the suspects been identified as Muslims.
Additionally, the NSCIA rejected claims linking Muslims and Fulani communities to the kidnappings, stating that those arrested did not support such allegations.
Despite its concerns, the NSCIA reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national unity.
The council urged the Federal Government, security agencies and the media to act responsibly, investigate criminal acts without bias and prevent religious tensions from escalating.
It stressed that equal justice, accountability and responsible public discourse remain essential to maintaining peace and strengthening national cohesion in Ni
