RismadarVoice Reporters
September 24, 2026
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to take urgent steps to halt killings, kidnappings, banditry and other forms of violence across Nigeria.
JNI also called for a comprehensive review of the country’s security architecture, saying security agencies should place greater emphasis on intelligence-led preventive operations rather than predominantly reacting after attacks have occurred.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, following what it described as an assessment of recent security incidents across the country.
JNI expressed concern over reported killings, abductions, terrorist attacks, cattle rustling and attacks on security personnel, saying persistent violence had continued to expose communities to fear, displacement and loss of livelihoods.
It identified Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue and Plateau among states affected by recent security incidents.
According to JNI, the continued killing and abduction of civilians despite ongoing military and security operations requires greater coordination among authorities and a stronger focus on preventing attacks.
The organisation called for efforts to identify and dismantle camps and supply routes used by bandits and terrorists, including networks involved in supplying arms, ammunition, fuel, food, motorcycles and other logistics.
JNI also advocated stronger intelligence sharing among the Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant agencies.
It called for tighter control of Nigeria’s borders, improved monitoring of transnational criminal networks and greater protection for vulnerable communities, schools, highways, markets and places of worship.
The organisation further advocated stronger community-based intelligence systems, while stressing that vigilante and local security arrangements should remain properly regulated and accountable.
On the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, JNI welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to institute an independent investigation and suspend officers connected with the incident pending the outcome.
It, however, said the incident raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, access to medical attention and how several people reportedly died while in state custody.
JNI called for illegal mining to be addressed through lawful and coordinated enforcement, while ensuring that legitimate artisanal miners are distinguished from criminal networks and that detained persons are treated in accordance with the law.
It also advocated credible monitoring systems for detention facilities to protect people in state custody from abuse, neglect or avoidable loss of life.
JNI urged federal and state governments to adequately support security agencies while addressing economic and social conditions that could make vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment by criminal organisations.
“JNI therefore urges all relevant authorities to treat the current situation with the highest level of urgency, seriousness and national coordination,” the organisation said.
It prayed for an end to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of bloodshed, as well as the restoration of peace and security across Northern Nigeria and the country.
