Boko Haram, ISWAP our enemies – Islamic council

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, describing terrorism as a serious threat to Nigeria.

In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the council said the attack, which left a teacher dead and many students and teachers abducted, showed the need for stronger action against terrorists.

The council said the repeated kidnapping and killing of schoolchildren is unacceptable and called it a despicable crime against humanity.

It also expressed concern that many victims of earlier school attacks in Borno and Oyo states are still being held by their captors.

According to the NSCIA, terrorists took advantage of Lassa’s market day to enter the community before carrying out the attack, showing that they continue to change their tactics and exploit security weaknesses.

The council urged the government to improve intelligence gathering, surveillance, cooperation among security agencies, and community-based early warning systems. It also pointed to Enugu State’s technology-driven security system as an example that other states could adopt.

The NSCIA praised the Armed Forces, especially troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for rescuing some of the abducted victims, but said efforts should continue until everyone is safely freed.

The council also paid tribute to the soldier and Civilian Joint Task Force member who lost their lives during the rescue operation and offered condolences to the Borno State Government, the school, and the affected families.

Reaffirming its position on terrorism, the NSCIA said:
“Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity.”

It stressed that those responsible for killing innocent people, abducting children, and attacking schools do not represent Islam.

The council called on the government to ensure that terrorists are arrested, prosecuted, and punished to restore lasting peace and security across the country.