The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared that banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes have no basis in the teachings of Islam, urging Nigerians to stop associating such acts with the religion.
Speaking on Monday while receiving members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on a courtesy visit to his palace in Sokoto, the Sultan said criminals should be identified for what they are rather than being linked to any faith.
He stressed that those who engage in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and related criminal activities are simply criminals and should not be portrayed as representatives of Islam or any religion.
The revered traditional ruler urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to promote peace, unity, and mutual understanding among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds, noting that no religion condones violence against innocent people.
The Sultan also encouraged members of the NYSC to serve their fatherland with dedication, integrity, and patriotism while contributing positively to national unity and development throughout their service year.
His remarks came amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of the country and ongoing efforts by religious and traditional leaders to discourage the misuse of religion to justify criminal activities.
