The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has denounced the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, describing terrorism as one of the greatest threats to the nation’s peace and security.
In a statement signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the council said the assault, which claimed the life of a teacher and led to the abduction of several students and staff, underscored the urgent need for more decisive measures against terrorist groups.
The NSCIA described the recurring attacks on schools, particularly the abduction and killing of students, as a heinous crime against humanity that must no longer be tolerated.
The council also lamented that many victims kidnapped during previous attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity, urging authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
According to the council, the attackers exploited Lassa’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching the assault, a tactic it said highlights the insurgents’ ability to adapt their methods and take advantage of existing security gaps.
To prevent similar incidents, the NSCIA called on the government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, collaboration among security agencies, and community-based early warning mechanisms. It also cited Enugu State’s technology-driven security model as an approach that could be replicated across other states.
The council commended the Armed Forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for rescuing some of the abducted victims but stressed that efforts should continue until all those taken captive are safely returned.
It also paid tribute to the soldier and member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the rescue mission, while extending its condolences to the Borno State Government, the school community, and the families of those affected.
Reaffirming its stance against violent extremism, the NSCIA declared that “Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity,” stressing that those responsible for killing innocent people, abducting children, and attacking schools do not represent the Islamic faith.
The council further urged the government to ensure that those behind such atrocities are apprehended, prosecuted, and brought to justice as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the country.
BACKSTORY:
Boko Haram has waged an insurgency in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, carrying out attacks on schools, communities, places of worship and security formations. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people across the Lake Chad region. ISWAP, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram affiliated with the Islamic State, has also been responsible for numerous deadly attacks, kidnappings and assaults on civilians and military targets. Over the years, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has consistently condemned the activities of both groups, maintaining that their actions are contrary to the teachings of Islam and do not represent the religion.
