The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive and sustained action against terrorists following the recent attacks and mass abductions in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The council condemned the attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities, where civilians were reportedly killed, injured and abducted. The NSCIA particularly expressed concern over the invasion of a central mosque during Jumu’at prayers in Dekara, where more than 60 worshippers were reportedly abducted. (The Guardian Nigeria)
NSCIA demands urgent rescue
The Islamic council urged the government to treat the abducted residents as a national priority and intensify ongoing efforts to secure their immediate and safe release.
It called on security agencies to deploy available intelligence, surveillance and operational capabilities to locate the victims and dismantle the networks responsible for the attacks.
The council also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and other relevant agencies to regard the situation as an emergency requiring coordinated intervention. (Punch Newspapers)
Attack on worshippers sparks concern
The invasion of a mosque during Friday prayers has particularly alarmed the NSCIA, which described the incident as an attack not only on innocent civilians but also on the sanctity of worship.
The council said Nigerians should be able to practise their religion without fear, stressing that terrorists must not be allowed to turn places of worship and vulnerable communities into targets.
Reports indicate that the August 21 attacks affected several communities in Borgu, with local officials putting the number of people killed at about 30 and those abducted at more than 60. The exact figures have been subject to differing reports as authorities continue to assess the situation. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Council calls for intelligence-led operations
The NSCIA argued that security operations must go beyond reacting to attacks after they occur.
It advocated a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security strategy capable of identifying terrorist movements before they can launch attacks.
The council specifically called for improved surveillance, stronger intelligence networks, better early-warning mechanisms and coordinated ground operations across vulnerable areas.
It also urged authorities to pay particular attention to forest corridors and difficult terrain around Niger and Kwara states, which can provide hiding places and operational routes for armed groups.
Previous rescue operation cited
The council acknowledged the capabilities of Nigerian security forces, pointing to the successful rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians earlier in August.
According to the Presidency, 163 victims had been abducted from Woro in Kwara State, while 145 were taken from communities in Niger State. They were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military, DSS and police. (State House)
The NSCIA said that operation demonstrated what could be achieved when security agencies have adequate resources, intelligence and effective inter-agency coordination.
However, it warned that the latest attacks showed the need to sustain such efforts rather than rely on occasional rescue operations.
Need to dismantle terrorist networks
The council urged the government to move beyond rescuing victims and focus on dismantling the networks, hideouts and logistical structures enabling terrorists to operate.
It argued that recurring attacks would continue unless the groups responsible are effectively disrupted and denied access to safe havens.
The NSCIA also called for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities to receive adequate equipment, logistics, training and operational support.
Community cooperation crucial
The Islamic council further stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents can provide valuable information about suspicious movements and potential threats, particularly in remote areas where conventional security coverage may be limited.
The council also advocated the proper regulation and integration of lawful community vigilante structures into broader early-warning and community-protection efforts.
Broader security concerns
The latest attacks have renewed concerns about the spread and persistence of kidnapping and terrorism across parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The situation has also raised fears among residents who may feel compelled to leave vulnerable communities in search of safety.
The NSCIA warned that persistent insecurity could undermine economic activity, disrupt education and weaken confidence in the ability of government to protect citizens.
NSCIA rejects religious framing of insecurity
The council also cautioned against presenting Nigeria’s insecurity exclusively as a conflict between religious groups.
It noted that the victims of terrorist attacks include Nigerians from different backgrounds and argued that the country’s security challenges require a collective national response.
The council called on Nigerians to remain united in confronting terrorism and avoid narratives capable of deepening religious or ethnic divisions.
Government under pressure to act
The NSCIA’s demand comes as President Tinubu has already directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims of the Niger State abductions.
The Federal Government’s response will now be closely watched as families await news of their loved ones and communities demand stronger protection.
For the affected families, the priority remains straightforward: the safe return of those taken captive.
For the government, however, the latest crisis presents a broader challenge — demonstrating that security agencies can prevent repeated attacks while simultaneously rescuing victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
A call for sustained action
The NSCIA said Nigerians must not allow repeated terrorist attacks to weaken their resolve to confront insecurity.
It called for decisive, intelligence-led and sustained operations rather than temporary responses after major incidents.
The council’s message is ultimately a call for stronger security coordination, better protection for vulnerable communities and urgent action to rescue those still in captivity.
As security agencies continue operations in and around Borgu, the hope of affected families and communities is that the government will translate its directives into concrete action and ensure that the abducted worshippers and other victims are brought home safely.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive and sustained action against terrorists following the recent attacks and mass abductions in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The council condemned the attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities, where civilians were reportedly killed, injured and abducted. The NSCIA particularly expressed concern over the invasion of a central mosque during Jumu’at prayers in Dekara, where more than 60 worshippers were reportedly abducted. (The Guardian Nigeria)
NSCIA demands urgent rescue
The Islamic council urged the government to treat the abducted residents as a national priority and intensify ongoing efforts to secure their immediate and safe release.
It called on security agencies to deploy available intelligence, surveillance and operational capabilities to locate the victims and dismantle the networks responsible for the attacks.
The council also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and other relevant agencies to regard the situation as an emergency requiring coordinated intervention. (Punch Newspapers)
Attack on worshippers sparks concern
The invasion of a mosque during Friday prayers has particularly alarmed the NSCIA, which described the incident as an attack not only on innocent civilians but also on the sanctity of worship.
The council said Nigerians should be able to practise their religion without fear, stressing that terrorists must not be allowed to turn places of worship and vulnerable communities into targets.
Reports indicate that the August 21 attacks affected several communities in Borgu, with local officials putting the number of people killed at about 30 and those abducted at more than 60. The exact figures have been subject to differing reports as authorities continue to assess the situation. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Council calls for intelligence-led operations
The NSCIA argued that security operations must go beyond reacting to attacks after they occur.
It advocated a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security strategy capable of identifying terrorist movements before they can launch attacks.
The council specifically called for improved surveillance, stronger intelligence networks, better early-warning mechanisms and coordinated ground operations across vulnerable areas.
It also urged authorities to pay particular attention to forest corridors and difficult terrain around Niger and Kwara states, which can provide hiding places and operational routes for armed groups.
Previous rescue operation cited
The council acknowledged the capabilities of Nigerian security forces, pointing to the successful rescue of 308 abducted Nigerians earlier in August.
According to the Presidency, 163 victims had been abducted from Woro in Kwara State, while 145 were taken from communities in Niger State. They were rescued from the Kainji Lake National Park following a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving the military, DSS and police. (State House)
The NSCIA said that operation demonstrated what could be achieved when security agencies have adequate resources, intelligence and effective inter-agency coordination.
However, it warned that the latest attacks showed the need to sustain such efforts rather than rely on occasional rescue operations.
Need to dismantle terrorist networks
The council urged the government to move beyond rescuing victims and focus on dismantling the networks, hideouts and logistical structures enabling terrorists to operate.
It argued that recurring attacks would continue unless the groups responsible are effectively disrupted and denied access to safe havens.
The NSCIA also called for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities to receive adequate equipment, logistics, training and operational support.
Community cooperation crucial
The Islamic council further stressed the importance of cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents can provide valuable information about suspicious movements and potential threats, particularly in remote areas where conventional security coverage may be limited.
The council also advocated the proper regulation and integration of lawful community vigilante structures into broader early-warning and community-protection efforts.
Broader security concerns
The latest attacks have renewed concerns about the spread and persistence of kidnapping and terrorism across parts of North-Central Nigeria.
The situation has also raised fears among residents who may feel compelled to leave vulnerable communities in search of safety.
The NSCIA warned that persistent insecurity could undermine economic activity, disrupt education and weaken confidence in the ability of government to protect citizens.
NSCIA rejects religious framing of insecurity
The council also cautioned against presenting Nigeria’s insecurity exclusively as a conflict between religious groups.
It noted that the victims of terrorist attacks include Nigerians from different backgrounds and argued that the country’s security challenges require a collective national response.
The council called on Nigerians to remain united in confronting terrorism and avoid narratives capable of deepening religious or ethnic divisions.
Government under pressure to act
The NSCIA’s demand comes as President Tinubu has already directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue victims of the Niger State abductions.
The Federal Government’s response will now be closely watched as families await news of their loved ones and communities demand stronger protection.
For the affected families, the priority remains straightforward: the safe return of those taken captive.
For the government, however, the latest crisis presents a broader challenge — demonstrating that security agencies can prevent repeated attacks while simultaneously rescuing victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.
A call for sustained action
The NSCIA said Nigerians must not allow repeated terrorist attacks to weaken their resolve to confront insecurity.
It called for decisive, intelligence-led and sustained operations rather than temporary responses after major incidents.
The council’s message is ultimately a call for stronger security coordination, better protection for vulnerable communities and urgent action to rescue those still in captivity.
As security agencies continue operations in and around Borgu, the hope of affected families and communities is that the government will translate its directives into concrete action and ensure that the abducted worshippers and other victims are brought home safely.