NSCIA Calls for Security Reforms, Rejects Claims of Religious Genocide in Nigeria

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for an urgent and comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s security architecture, while rejecting claims that Christians or any other religious group is facing genocide in the country.

The Council made the position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its General Assembly held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the National Mosque, Abuja.

The meeting, presided over by the President-General of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was held under the theme, “Nigerian Muslims and the Imperative of Nation-building.” It brought together Emirs, Obas, Chief Imams, Islamic scholars, leaders of major Islamic organisations and delegates from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In its resolutions on national security and cohesion, the Council said insecurity affects Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation and declared that there is no genocide of Christians or any other religious community in Nigeria as claimed in some quarters.

The NSCIA called for reforms that would strengthen the country’s security architecture and expressed support for decentralised policing, provided it is based on professionalism, constitutional safeguards, impartiality, accountability, sustainable funding, respect for fundamental rights and effective coordination between federal and state security institutions.

The Council also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to reduce the cost of food and transportation, saying such measures were necessary to ease the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians. It, however, acknowledged government efforts to revive the economy.

NSCIA Condemns Religious Division

The Islamic council reaffirmed the need for unity among Muslims and urged Islamic scholars to avoid attacking one another publicly.

It advised scholars and Muslim organisations to resolve disagreements through internal mechanisms and cautioned against using Islam to promote hatred, violence or attacks against people who hold different views.

The Council also urged Muslims to embrace the culture of verification and evidence, known as Tabayyun, and desist from circulating unverified messages, allegations and claims capable of damaging the reputation of individuals and leaders.

The NSCIA further asserted that Islam has existed in Igboland for several decades and across generations, condemning attempts to portray Muslims as non-indigenous to the region, which it said could encourage attacks against them.

Council Demands Respect for Hijab Rights

On rights, inclusion and education, the NSCIA welcomed the Supreme Court judgment upholding the appellate court ruling concerning the construction of a mosque for Muslim students at Rivers State University.

The Council called on the Rivers State Government and the university management to implement the judgment without further delay.

It also called on government agencies and institutions to respect the rights of Muslim female students, Muslim National Youth Service Corps members, female security personnel and Muslim women in other workplaces to wear the hijab as a fundamental human right.

The Council criticised the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos over what it described as hostile positions towards a Supreme Court judgment favouring the use of hijab in their international schools.

It accused the institutions of attempting to redesignate the schools as private institutions despite being established by public universities, describing the move as an attempt to circumvent court judgments.

The NSCIA urged the authorities to reverse course and comply with the law.

Council Advocates Quality Education, Youth Guidance

The NSCIA urged Muslim leaders to prioritise quality education combining sound Islamic knowledge with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

It also called on parents and community leaders to pay greater attention to the moral upbringing of young people, citing their increasing exposure to adverse foreign influences.

The Council recognised Maryam Ibrahim Dan-Azumi for winning the female category of the King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and recommended her for national recognition.

NSCIA Urges Muslims to Obtain NIN, PVC

As part of its civic responsibility resolutions, the Council urged Muslims to obtain their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and participate fully in the process of selecting leaders at all levels.

It also encouraged Muslim organisations and societies to pursue economic independence through lawful investments, cooperation, and effective administration of Zakat and Waqf as tools for sustainable poverty reduction.

Council Adopts 2026 NAHCON Report

The NSCIA adopted the 2026 report of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and endorsed its recommendations for repositioning the Hajj industry for greater excellence.

It also commended NAHCON and the Abuja National Mosque Management Board for initiatives aimed at advancing their respective mandates.

The Council honoured its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, for what it described as his contributions to Islam, education and nation-building during his tenure as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) from August 2016 to July 2026.

The General Assembly also approved the renewal and expansion of the Council’s National Executive Committee, including the appointment of new officials across national affairs, international affairs, corporate affairs, administration, public relations, development and family affairs.