Muslim and Catholic Leaders Demand Action Against Insecurity

Nigeria’s top Muslim and Catholic leaders are very worried about the country’s security. They are calling on the federal government to take quick action against ongoing killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who is also the President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), and the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) made these calls in separate statements on Tuesday.

Their appeals come after several attacks by bandits and armed groups. Recent incidents have left many dead and hundreds displaced in the northern regions.

These concerns follow a series of serious security incidents in recent weeks. This includes deadly attacks on communities in Sokoto and the kidnapping and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State. This shows that armed groups continue to threaten safety despite ongoing security efforts.

Sultan Calls for Prayers and Teamwork

In a message for the start of the Islamic New Year (Muharram 1448 AH), the Sultan urged Nigerians to combine spiritual efforts with practical help for security agencies.

A statement from the Secretary-General of JNI, Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, shared the Sultan’s message. He said the nation needs everyone to take responsibility, including citizens, religious leaders, and government agencies.

“The time has come for us to look inward and rededicate ourselves to Allah while working together with relevant security agencies to stabilise the nation,” the statement quoted him.

To seek divine help, the Sultan told imams leading daily prayers across the country to offer Qunootun-Nawazil. This is a special prayer for times of calamity or distress.

He also asked Muslims to dedicate the first Friday prayer of the new Islamic year, which is on June 19, to pray for peace, security, and national stability.

Catholic Bishops Share Concerns

The Archbishop of Lagos, Alfred Martins, who is also the Vice-President of the CBCN, said Nigerians are growing frustrated with the ongoing killings and kidnappings.

He spoke during a thanksgiving Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos. This Mass celebrated the 90th birthday and 55 years of service of Anthony Okogie.

He urged President Bola Tinubu and other leaders to do more to restore peace and security in the country. “Every day we hear of people being kidnapped, soldiers being ambushed and killed, communities displaced and traditional rulers fleeing their domains. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand what is happening in our country,” he said.

Mr Martins added that the best gift leaders could give Nigerians would be a country where people can live, travel, and sleep without fear.

He called for better treatment, motivation, and equipment for security personnel, saying that the current security problems need a stronger and more effective response.

While he recognized the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, he stated that many Nigerians feel the situation has worsened despite government assurances and ongoing security operations.

“As CBCN, we have consistently drawn attention to these challenges and suggested ways forward. While the government has explained steps being taken, the problems persist and, in many cases, are getting worse,” he said.

Shared Concerns Across Different Faiths

The statements from the Sultan and the Catholic bishops show growing worry among religious leaders about the human and economic impacts of insecurity. This situation disrupts lives, forces people to flee, and erodes trust in state institutions.

Their remarks also show a strong agreement between Nigeria’s top Muslim and Catholic leaders on the urgent need for stronger actions to protect lives, secure communities, and restore confidence in the country's security system.