The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has officially denounced the recent assault on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, labeling terrorism a primary danger to national stability. Abbas Jimoh, the council’s spokesperson, stated that the incident—which resulted in a teacher’s death and the abduction of numerous students and staff—highlights an urgent requirement for more robust counter-terrorism measures.
The council emphasized that the recurring trend of kidnapping and murdering students is a grave crime against humanity that cannot be tolerated. They remain deeply concerned that captives from previous school attacks in Borno and Oyo states have yet to be recovered. According to the NSCIA, militants exploited the local market day in Lassa to infiltrate the area, demonstrating that these groups are constantly refining their tactics to exploit security vulnerabilities.
The NSCIA advised the government to prioritize enhanced intelligence, better inter-agency collaboration, and the implementation of community-level early warning protocols. They cited the technological security infrastructure in Enugu State as a model for other regions to emulate. While commending the military, particularly the Operation HADIN KAI forces, for successfully rescuing several victims, the council insisted that operations must continue until every individual is safe. Furthermore, the NSCIA honored the fallen soldier and the Civilian Joint Task Force member who perished during the rescue mission, extending sympathies to the grieving families and the Borno State administration.
Reiterating its stance, the NSCIA asserted that Boko Haram and ISWAP are adversaries of both Islam and society at large. They maintained that those who target children and schools have no legitimate connection to Islamic teachings. Finally, the council urged the authorities to apprehend and prosecute all perpetrators to ensure long-term peace across Nigeria.