The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted school pupils and their teachers in Oyo State, while urging that the same “determination and urgency” be extended to thousands of other Nigerians still in captivity across the country.
In a statement issued on its official website, the SCSN said the rescue operation brought relief not only to the families of the victims but to millions of Nigerians who had prayed for their safe return.
“We congratulate the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency, and every security institution that contributed to the successful operation,” the Council stated.
The Council also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as “the finest tradition of patriotism and selfless service” and extended condolences to their families.
The council said the Oyo rescue affirmed its long-held position that Nigeria’s security challenges are not beyond the capacity of security institutions when they are “adequately equipped, professionally led, intelligence-driven, properly funded, morally encouraged and insulated from undue interference.”
“The recent success should therefore not be viewed as isolated victory but as convincing evidence that sustained commitment, political will and institutional support can restore peace to every part of our country,” it added.
However, the council expressed concern that many victims in other parts of the country, particularly in the North, have not received the same level of attention.
“Every Nigerian life possesses equal dignity before Allah SWT and deserves equal protection under the Constitution,” SCSN said, noting that “every father mourning a kidnapped child feels the same pain irrespective of whether he resides in Ibadan, Maiduguri, Gusau, Sokoto, Minna, Katsina or Damaturu.”
The council specifically cited Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna and Borno states where communities continue to suffer repeated attacks, displacement, and abductions. It also mentioned schoolchildren abducted from Askira-Uba in the North-East whose stories “rarely dominate national headlines.”
“The council respectfully submits that the Federal Government should ensure that every Nigerian victim of terrorism or kidnapping receives equal commitment and attention, regardless of geographical location, ethnicity, religion or social status,” it stated.
Beyond rescue operations, the council called for a comprehensive national security strategy including sustained offensive operations against terrorists and bandits, greater investment in equipment and surveillance, improved welfare for security personnel, prosecution of informants and financiers, and stronger border security.
It also urged closer collaboration between federal, state, local, traditional and religious institutions, as well as support for victims through rehabilitation and economic recovery programmes.
On the economy, SCSN expressed concern over inflation, unemployment and rising food prices, saying “security and economic recovery are inseparable” and calling for measures to cushion effects on vulnerable Nigerians.
The council further urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious bigotry, and called on religious leaders, traditional rulers and citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence.
It prayed for God’s protection over Nigeria, strength for security agencies, freedom for captives, and wisdom for leaders. “Governance is a sacred trust. Allah… will hold every leader accountable for the security, welfare and justice due to those placed under their authority,” the council said.