NSCIA Raises Alarm Over 'Persistent Attacks' on Islam, Urges FG, Security Agencies to Act

 NSCIA Raises Alarm Over 'Persistent Attacks' on Islam, Urges FG, Security Agencies to Act

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take urgent steps to address what it described as persistent attacks, marginalisation and negative profiling of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria, warning that continued inaction could pose a threat to national peace and stability.

In a press statement dated June 28, 2026, and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council, under the leadership of its President-General, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria's unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Council stated that Muslims in the country have consistently exercised restraint despite what it described as repeated provocation, unfair treatment and negative stereotypes.

According to the NSCIA, while Muslims have continued to endure what it termed marginalisation in public life, they are still frequently accused of oppressing other religious groups. The organisation alleged that some foreign interests were promoting narratives capable of creating division and unrest in the country.

The Council also criticised comments allegedly made by a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria during a recent interview on Channels Television, where it claimed the former religious leader suggested that between 90 and 95 per cent of criminals in Nigeria are Muslims.

The NSCIA described the remarks as reckless, baseless and irresponsible, arguing that they should have attracted sanctions or at least a public reprimand from relevant government regulatory agencies in the interest of national security and peaceful coexistence.

It further accused the media and security agencies of applying double standards, claiming that similar comments made by a Muslim leader would likely have resulted in immediate intervention by law enforcement authorities.

The Council also referenced recent kidnapping incidents in Oyo State, alleging that some Christian leaders had blamed Fulani Muslims for the crimes. It argued that the arrest of a Christian pastor in connection with one of the incidents contradicted such assumptions and questioned what it described as selective media coverage, specifically mentioning Arise Television.

On political representation, the NSCIA alleged that Muslims have continued to experience marginalisation in federal appointments despite remaining peaceful. It cited the cases of Yusuf Tuggar, Adebayo Adelabu and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as examples in its argument.

The Council also recalled Nigeria's political history, noting that the presidential tickets of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo featured Christian running mates without generating the kind of religious controversy seen in recent years over same-faith tickets.

While reiterating its appeal for Muslims across the country to remain calm and law-abiding, the NSCIA urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take proactive measures against what it described as persistent attacks on Islam and Muslims.

The Council warned that continued silence over such issues could test the patience of the Muslim community and called on authorities to act decisively to preserve peace, national unity and public order.