Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, has said terrorists neither honour nor represent any religion, describing them as ordinary criminals who attack innocent Nigerians.
Tambuwal said those responsible for violent attacks across various parts of the country are simply taking advantage of soft targets and carrying out assaults against citizens of all faiths, warning against portraying Nigeria’s security crisis as a religious issue.
He described the country’s security situation as “very concerning and alarming,” urging political leaders and the international community to avoid politicising the growing insecurity.
Tambuwal made the remarks on Saturday while speaking with journalists in Sokoto, against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern by United States President Donald Trump.
He described the designation as “quite unfortunate,” saying it does not accurately reflect the reality and complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.
“I would like to believe that President Trump and the American government did not fully grasp or appreciate the Nigerian situation. What we are facing is not a religious crisis but a security crisis affecting Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds.
“These marauders do not represent any religion. How else can one explain what they are doing in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and other states? They are common criminals, attacking every soul they come across.
Tambuwal stressed that insecurity has become a nationwide challenge that goes beyond politics, ethnicity and religion, insisting that urgent collective action is needed.
He called on the United States and other global partners to review their position and instead support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in addressing the crisis.
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“It’s not about Bola Tinubu as a person. It’s not about APC or party politics. It’s about our country. Any country—America, France, the UK, Canada—that can support Nigeria to overcome insecurity should please do so,” he said.
Recalling his time as a governor, Tambuwal said all 36 governors, regardless of political affiliation, once came together to support the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari in acquiring military assets to boost national security.
However, he alleged that Nigeria could not fully utilise the aircraft because the United States failed to provide all the required components.
“At that time, about one billion dollars was taken from consolidated revenue funds to acquire Tucano aircraft. It wasn’t about party politics,” he said.
“The Nigerian Air Force did not receive the full complement of the Tucano assets, which limited their deployment,” Tambuwal added.
He urged leaders at all levels to set aside political differences and work collectively to tackle the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.
“As leaders, we must support the government locally and nationally. Everyone is affected. This is a Nigerian problem that requires Nigerian solutions, supported by our friends globally,” he said.