Sultan Urges Military to Intensify Actions Against Terrorism

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for the Nigerian military to implement a more assertive and proactive approach in tackling terrorism.

This statement came in the wake of recent deadly bomb explosions that resulted in numerous casualties in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

While officially declaring Friday as Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, the Sultan condemned the violence.

He questioned whether Nigeria was returning to its troubled past, saying, "Are we now back to the bad old days?" He denounced the recent surge of bomb attacks, urging the military and security agencies to enhance their efforts to eliminate terrorism and insurgency effectively.

"Security operations must not only respond to attacks, but be anticipatory. The military and security chiefs must not merely shuffle positions; they need to confront terrorists directly and take the action to them before they can strike," he emphasized.

Maintaining his long-held view, the Sultan declared the violence as un-Islamic and cautioned against associating terrorism with the Islamic faith. He insisted, "It is un-Islamic and not recognized by Islam. This should not be tied to Islam."

He further urged the government to demonstrate the necessary political resolve to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnic backgrounds, and to eradicate these criminal elements throughout the nation.

Offering his sympathy to the government and residents of Borno State, along with the families of those affected by the terror acts, he prayed for the souls of the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured.

The Sultan stated that decisive measures are vital for maintaining peace, unity, and development across Nigeria. He also encouraged Nigerians to advocate for harmonious coexistence and national unity within their respective communities.