The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian military to take a more proactive stance in the fight against terrorism following deadly bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He made the appeal on Wednesday while announcing Friday as Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
His remarks come after twin explosions in Maiduguri on Monday claimed 23 lives and injured more than 100 people. The attacks occurred at a local market, near the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and at the Post Office flyover in the state capital.
Condemning the incident, the Sultan urged security forces to go on the offensive by targeting terrorist enclaves rather than waiting for attacks to occur.
“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.
He described the bombings as contrary to Islamic teachings, stressing that such violence should not be associated with Islam.
The Sultan also urged the government to demonstrate strong political will in ensuring the safety of all citizens, irrespective 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.
He further appealed to Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and coexistence, noting that lasting national development depends on a secure and harmonious society.
