BORNO ATTACKS: “Are we now back to the bad old days?” — Sultan of Sokoto queries
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before you start defending or finding remedies. This you must do so that, as a nation of great people, we can have peace in our country.”
The Sultan of Sokoto and Leader of the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has expressed deep concern and dismay over the resurgence of bomb attacks in Borno State, questioning whether the nation is relapsing into the troubling period many believed had passed.
This was contained in a statement by his Media Team dated Thursday, March 19, 2026 and circulated to the media including The DEFENDER.
The Sultan raised this concern on Wednesday night while giving instructions to the media team at the Sultan’s Palace, shortly after announcing the sighting status of the new moon marking the end of Ramadan and the declaration of Friday, March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr.
In his capacity as President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Sultan strongly condemned the renewed wave of attacks, calling on the military and other security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts in decisively addressing terrorism and insurgency in the country.
He emphasized that the redeployment of military and security leadership must go beyond routine exercises, urging authorities to take proactive measures by confronting terrorists at their strongholds rather than reacting after attacks occur.
According to the Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), “Relocation of Army and other security chiefs should not be ceremonial.
“Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before you start defending or finding remedies. This you must do so that, as a nation of great people, we can have peace in our country.”
The President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI) said, “We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest term of condemnation and charge that the military and other security and intelligence agencies should up their effort by nipping this terrorism and insurgency problems in the bud.”
Reaffirming his consistent stance, the Sultan denounced the violence as un-Islamic, stating unequivocally that such acts have no basis in Islam and must not be associated with the religion. He further called on the government to demonstrate strong political will in ensuring the protection of lives and property for all citizens, irrespective of region or background, and to decisively eliminate criminal elements across the country.
“We have always condemned this thing. It is unIslamic and we insist it is not recognised by Islam and should not be attributed to Islam. The government should summon the political will power that is required to provide effective security and safety for all people regardless of their religions and tribes consideration, to stamp out these criminal elements, not only from North but also the entire South of the country, to enable the good work being done on peaceful coexistence, unity and development show,” he said.
The Sultan reiterated that while communities may not know the perpetrators, they remain committed to promoting peace, unity, and moral guidance, while urging the government to fulfill its primary responsibility of safeguarding the nation.
He stressed that such decisive action is necessary to restore peace and stability across the nation.
He concluded by extending heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Borno State, the Kanem-Borno Emirate, and families of victims affected by the attacks. He prayed for the repose of the departed souls in Al-Jannah and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
