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Ulama reject Christian genocide claims
Ulama reject Christian genocide claims
Islamic scholars and religious leaders from across Northern Nigeria have rejected claims alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, calling such claims misleading and divisive.
US Congressman, Sen. Ted Cruz, recently introduced a bill seeking to protect Christians in Nigeria from what he described as religious persecution and genocide.
But the Nigerian government had dismissed the claim. The National Assembly also resolved to engage directly with the U.S. Congress to address and counter what it described as an inaccurate portrayal of Nigeria’s security situation as an anti-Christian genocide.
The Islamic scholars, after a summit in Kaduna on Wednesday, debunked the Christian genocide claim and urged the federal government to encourage the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to publicly discredit the allegation.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the Special Northern Ulamah Summit held in Kaduna, the Ulamas also appealed to the media and global actors to promote accurate reporting that fosters unity.
The communiqué was jointly signed by representatives of leading Islamic organizations, including Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), and the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN).
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Signatories included prominent Islamic leaders such as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar (SCSN); Prof. Sheikh Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI); Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS); Sheikh Nasir Kabara (Qadiriyya), Barr. Hajara Jibril, Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, among others.
Expressing deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation, the scholars warned that Nigeria’s fragile unity is under increasing threat from terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. They urged authorities to employ all lawful means to restore peace and stability.
The scholars reaffirmed their willingness to partner with the government through peace advocacy, moral reorientation, and community mediation to complement ongoing security efforts.
They also condemned attempts to ignite ethnic discord, particularly between the Hausa and Fulani communities, describing such efforts as “orchestrated attempts by certain elements to sow division.”
They urged the government to recalibrate its peace-building approach, particularly in regions devastated by banditry, terrorism, and communal conflict.
“The government must approach reconciliation with utmost caution and from a position of strength. However, reconciliation should go beyond elite negotiations and military crackdowns. It must be comprehensive and inclusive—addressing the needs of all parties: victims, bandits, and other stakeholders—while prioritising rehabilitation, reintegration, and the rebuilding of affected communities,” the communiqué said.
The scholars also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza as “a grave violation of humanity and international law.”
They commended the Federal Government’s support for Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and urged Muslims to sustain their “advocacy, prayers, and humanitarian assistance.”
Ulama reject Christian genocide claims
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
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Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”
In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”
He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”
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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.
“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.
Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.
Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism
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