The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian military to adopt a more proactive approach in combating terrorist groups after deadly bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State. Speaking on Wednesday evening while announcing Friday as Eid-el-Fitr, the Sultan stressed that security forces should not wait for attacks to happen before responding.
“Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies. This you must do so that, as a nation of great people, we can have peace in our country,” he said. His remarks come in the wake of Monday’s twin bomb attacks that killed 23 people and injured over 100, hitting a market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital gate, and the Post Office flyover.
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The Sultan condemned the bombings as un-Islamic and emphasized that such acts of violence should not be associated with Islam. He also urged the government to demonstrate strong political will to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. “The government should summon the political willpower required to provide effective security and safety for all people, to stamp out these criminal elements across the country,” he added.
In his address, the Sultan appealed to Nigerians to continue fostering peace, unity, and coexistence within their communities, noting that national development depends on a secure and harmonious society. His call to action highlights the need for authorities to take war to terrorists and prevent further attacks.
The Sultan’s warning serves as a reminder to security agencies that a reactive approach is no longer sufficient, emphasizing that they must take war to terrorists to protect civilians and uphold national stability. By adopting proactive strategies, Nigeria can work toward a safer environment where such attacks are swiftly prevented or neutralized.