NSCIA condemns Borno school abduction, urges “decisive action” against terrorists

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned Monday’s terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa Town, Askira Uba LGA, Borno State, and called for an uncompromising national response to end repeated school abductions.

—“A National Disgrace”—

In a statement on Thursday by Public Affairs Officer Abbas Jimoh, NSCIA described the attack as “reprehensible.” A teacher was murdered while scores of students and teachers were abducted.

“This unfortunate incident is yet another reminder that terrorism remains a grave existential threat to Nigeria,” the Council said. “The unconscionable acts of kidnapping and murder of schoolchildren constitute a despicable crime against humanity… That these incidents have continued to reoccur is a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future and must be stopped immediately.”

—Pattern of Attacks in Weeks—

NSCIA noted the Lassa attack came weeks after the May 15 abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba LGA, and the kidnapping of 49 pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, on the same day. All remain in captivity.

The Council said terrorists exploited Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community, showing they “continue to adapt their methods and exploit security gaps.”

It urged government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and community-based early warning systems.

—Push for Tech-Driven Security—

Citing Enugu State’s model, NSCIA said states should adopt AI-driven security architecture. The model includes a Command and Control Centre, surveillance drones, and 150 AI-embedded patrol vehicles “that can identify threats and track criminals instantly.”

—Commendation for Troops, Call for Full Rescue—

NSCIA commended the Armed Forces, especially troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for rescuing some abducted students and teachers through ground and air deployment.

“While this achievement deserves commendation, the operation must not cease until every abducted child and member of staff are rescued alive,” it said.

The Council mourned a soldier and a Civilian Joint Task Force member killed during the rescue, saying “Their bravery and patriotism have strengthened the determination required to defeat terrorism.”

—“Terrorism Has No Place in Islam”—

Reiterating its position on religion and violence, NSCIA said: “Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity whose actions constitute a complete betrayal of the Qur’anic injunctions on the sanctity of human life, justice, mercy, and the pursuit of knowledge.”

The Council commiserated with the Borno State Government, the school management, parents, and families of those abducted.

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It concluded: “Those who wage war against innocent citizens must be relentlessly pursued, brought to justice, and made to face the full weight of the law to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the country.”