NSCIA Rejects Genocide Claims, Demands Urgent Security Overhaul

NSCIA Rejects Genocide Claims, Demands Urgent Security Overhaul

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has rejected claims that Christians or any other religious community is facing genocide in Nigeria, saying the country’s insecurity affects citizens regardless of their faith.

The council, however, demanded an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, while supporting decentralised policing subject to constitutional safeguards, professionalism, impartiality, accountability, adequate funding and respect for fundamental rights.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued after the NSCIA General Assembly held at the Abuja National Mosque on October 1, 2026, under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.”

The assembly was presided over by the Sultan of Sokoto and NSCIA President-General, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, with Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, Chief Imams, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.

On the country’s security challenges, the council said insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith, rejecting attempts to frame the crisis as an attack on one particular religious group.

It urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the security system and improve coordination between federal and state security institutions.

The NSCIA backed state or decentralised policing, but stressed that any such arrangement must be built around professionalism, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, constitutional safeguards and protection of fundamental human rights.

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The council’s position comes amid continuing national debate over proposals to amend Nigeria’s constitutional framework to allow more decentralised policing.

Beyond security, the NSCIA urged the government to accelerate measures to reduce the rising cost of food and transportation, saying ordinary Nigerians were still facing significant economic hardship.

The council acknowledged efforts to revive the economy but called for faster action to ease the burden on households.

The Islamic body also cautioned against using religion to promote hatred, violence and division.

It urged Muslim scholars to resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms rather than publicly attacking one another, while encouraging Muslims to verify information before circulating allegations or claims that could damage individuals or deepen social tensions.

On religious rights, the council called on government institutions to respect the right of Muslim women and girls to wear the hijab, including female students, NYSC members, security personnel and Muslim women working in other organisations.

The NSCIA also criticised what it described as hostile positions by the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos concerning Supreme Court judgments on hijab use in their international schools.

It urged the institutions to comply with the relevant court decisions and adopt more inclusive policies.

The council further called on the Rivers State Government and the management of Rivers State University to implement a Supreme Court judgment concerning the construction of a mosque for Muslim students at the institution.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the NSCIA urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in choosing leaders at all levels.

It said civic participation was part of the responsibility of citizens and encouraged Muslims to contribute positively to nation-building.

The council also encouraged Muslim organisations to promote economic independence through lawful investments and stronger administration of Zakat and Waqf as tools for sustainable poverty reduction.

On education, it called for greater emphasis on quality learning that combines Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

The General Assembly also adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry.

The NSCIA additionally honoured its Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, for his contributions to education and national development during his tenure as JAMB Registrar from August 2016 to July 2026.

The council’s resolutions come amid continuing debate over religious violence, insecurity and allegations of persecution in Nigeria.

By rejecting a religious-genocide framing while demanding broad security reforms, the NSCIA said the country’s security crisis should be addressed as a national challenge affecting Nigerians across religious lines.

NSCIA Rejects Genocide Claims, Demands Urgent Security Overhaul