Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has expressed deep concern over the renewed wave of bomb attacks in Borno State, raising fears that Nigeria may be slipping back into a period of heightened insecurity.
The monarch, who is also President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and leader of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, made the remarks in a statement by his media team on Thursday.
“Are we now back to the bad old days?” the Sultan queried, as he condemned the resurgence of attacks in the North-East, particularly in Borno State.
He called on the military and security agencies to intensify operations against insurgents, stressing that those recent redeployments of security leadership must translate into concrete and proactive action. According to him, security forces should take the fight directly to the terrorists rather than waiting to respond after attacks occur.
“Relocation of the 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 defending or finding remedies,” he said.
The Sultan urged authorities to adopt a more aggressive and intelligence-driven strategy to curb terrorism and insurgency, insisting that the situation must be addressed decisively to restore peace and stability across the country.
He also reiterated his longstanding position that such acts of violence are un-Islamic and should not be linked to the religion. “We have always condemned this. It is un-Islamic and not recognised by Islam,” he stated.
Calling for stronger political will, the traditional ruler urged the government to prioritise the protection of lives and property across all regions, stressing that insecurity must be tackled nationwide to sustain peace, unity, and development.
While acknowledging that communities may not always know those responsible for the attacks, he reaffirmed the commitment of traditional and religious leaders to promoting peace and moral guidance.
The Sultan extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, the Kanem-Borno Emirate, and the families of victims affected by the attacks, praying for the repose of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured.
