NSCIA Condemns Borgu Terrorist Attacks, Demands Rescue of Captives

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the August 21, 2026 terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the incident as a “heinous and barbaric” assault on innocent civilians and the sanctity of worship.

The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said scores of residents were killed, injured or abducted when terrorists simultaneously attacked Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara.

The NSCIA expressed particular concern over the attack on Dekara, where terrorists reportedly invaded the Central Mosque during Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

According to the Council, about 30 people were killed in the attacks, while several others sustained injuries, some of them reportedly life-threatening. It added that dozens of victims remained in captivity.

The NSCIA described the invasion of a mosque during Friday prayers as not only an attack on innocent Nigerians but also a grave violation of the sanctity of worship and citizens’ right to practise their faith without fear.

It also warned against portraying insecurity in Nigeria as a conflict directed exclusively against Christians, noting that the attack on Muslim worshippers demonstrated the need for a collective and non-sectarian approach to tackling terrorism.

The Council said repeated attacks on Dekara and neighbouring communities were particularly troubling, noting that the latest incident was reportedly the third major attack on the area in recent times.

It said previous attacks had forced residents to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in other parts of Niger and Kwara states, as well as across the border in the Republic of Benin.

The NSCIA further noted that the latest attack occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest on August 5.

The rescued victims included 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa.

While commending the rescue operation, the Council said the renewed attacks raised concerns about the sustainability of security gains recorded in the area.

It therefore urged the Federal Government to move beyond episodic rescue operations and establish a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-based security architecture capable of preventing terrorists from returning to vulnerable communities.

The NSCIA called for an immediate and comprehensive review of security arrangements across Niger, Kwara and adjoining border communities, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used as operational and hostage-holding bases by terrorists.

It also demanded the immediate mobilisation of resources to locate and rescue all persons still held captive following the August 21 attacks, stressing that their rescue should be treated as an urgent national priority.

The Council urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms and coordinated ground operations, insisting that forests and difficult terrains used as terrorist sanctuaries must no longer be treated as inaccessible.

It further called for adequate equipment, motivation and logistical support for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities.

The NSCIA urged state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and ensure that residents who provide intelligence are adequately protected.

It also advocated the regulation and lawful integration of community vigilante structures into broader early-warning and community protection mechanisms.

The Council called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior, and relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

The NSCIA commiserated with families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured, while urging families of abducted victims not to lose hope.

It also called on Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast in their faith and resolute in the face of terrorism.

The statement was signed by Abbas Jimoh, Public Affairs Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.