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Insecurity: Islamic Council Backs State Police, Rejects Claims Of Christian Genocide in Nigeria
Insecurity: Islamic Council Backs State Police, Rejects Claims Of Christian Genocide in Nigeria
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The Islamic council supports decentralised policing, but demands professionalism, accountability, funding and constitutional safeguards.
NSCIA says insecurity affects Nigerians across religious lines and warns against narratives capable of inflaming religious tension.
The council urges three universities to obey Supreme Court judgments affirming Muslim students’ right to wear hijab.
Channel
NSCIA asks the Federal Government to reduce food and transport costs and urges Muslims to obtain their NINs and PVCs ahead of 2027.
October 07, () – The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has backed the establishment of state police as part of a comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, while rejecting claims that Christians are being subjected to genocide in the country.
Led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the council said decentralised policing could strengthen Nigeria’s response to insecurity if the reform is anchored on professionalism, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding and respect for fundamental rights.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the NSCIA General Assembly held on October 1, 2026, at the Abuja National Mosque, and signed by Sultan Abubakar, President-General of the council, and its Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
The assembly, held under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building,” was attended by prominent Emirs, Obas, Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, principal officers of the council, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
NSCIA called for an urgent and comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture, stressing that any move towards state policing must include effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.
The council’s position comes amid the ongoing constitutional process to amend the structure of policing in Nigeria. The proposed amendment requires the approval of at least 24 state Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the next stage.
While supporting the proposal, NSCIA emphasised the need for safeguards to ensure that state police institutions remain professional, impartial and accountable.
NSCIA Rejects Christian Genocide Claims
The council also rejected claims that Christians or any particular religious group is facing genocide in Nigeria.
It said insecurity affects Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation and warned that framing the security crisis as a religious genocide could heighten tension and further divide the country.
NSCIA urged Muslims to reject the manipulation of Islam for hatred and violence and advised them to verify information before sharing it, particularly material capable of provoking religious or communal hostility.
It also called on Islamic scholars to resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms and prevent doctrinal differences from becoming sources of division.
The council’s position comes amid heightened debate over killings, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country, with competing narratives over the religious dimension of the violence.
Universities Faulted Over Hijab
NSCIA also criticised the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos over what it described as their hostile dispositions towards Supreme Court judgments affirming the right of Muslim female students to wear hijab in their international schools.
The council accused the institutions of attempting to re-designate the schools as private institutions, despite their establishment by public universities, allegedly to circumvent the effect of the court judgments.
It urged the university authorities to retrace their steps, comply with the Supreme Court decisions and adopt a more inclusive approach.
The council further called on government agencies and employers to respect the right of Muslim female students, National Youth Service Corps members, female security personnel and workers in other establishments to wear hijab.
It also urged the Rivers State Government and the management of Rivers State University to implement the Supreme Court judgment affirming the right of Muslim students to have a mosque on campus.
Government Urged To Cut Food, Transport Costs
On the economy, the council acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government to stimulate economic growth but said ordinary Nigerians continued to face significant hardship. It urged the government to expedite measures aimed at drastically reducing the cost of food and transportation.
The council said the continued pressure on household incomes required urgent intervention as Nigerians struggle with the rising cost of necessities.
Muslims Told To Prepare For 2027
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, NSCIA urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate fully in the electoral process.
The council encouraged Muslims to use their votes to influence the selection of leaders at all levels and play a more active role in national affairs. It also urged Muslim organisations to strengthen their economic independence through lawful investments, Zakat and Waqf.
On education, the council called for greater investment in developing Muslim communities and encouraged the integration of Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
NSCIA Reaffirms Islam’s Presence In Igboland
The council reaffirmed the long-standing presence of Islam in Igboland, rejecting claims that Muslims are non-indigenous to the region.
It called for greater understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.
The assembly also adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry for greater efficiency and excellence.
The council recognised Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi for winning the female category of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah and recommended her for national recognition.
It also honoured Oloyede for his contributions to education and nation-building, particularly during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Background
The NSCIA is Nigeria’s apex Islamic umbrella organisation and is headed by the Sultan of Sokoto. Its membership includes traditional rulers, Chief Imams, Islamic scholars and leaders of major Muslim organisations across the country.
The council’s latest resolutions come against the backdrop of persistent insecurity and renewed debate over whether Nigeria’s centralised policing structure is adequate to confront security threats across its diverse regions.