NSCIA Demands Urgent Rescue of Borgu Terror Attack Victims

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Federal Government to urgently rescue victims abducted during the recent terrorist attacks on communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Council, led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, condemned the August 21, 2026 attacks on Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities, describing them as “heinous and barbaric.”

According to the NSCIA, the coordinated attacks left about 30 people dead, several others injured and dozens abducted.

The Council expressed particular concern over the attack on Dekara, where terrorists reportedly stormed the Central Mosque during Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 worshippers.

It said the invasion of the mosque during Friday prayers represented a grave assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also on the sanctity of worship and the constitutional right of citizens to practise their religion without fear.

The NSCIA also rejected attempts to portray insecurity in the country as a conflict exclusively targeting Christians, stressing that the attack on Muslim worshippers underscored the need for a united and non-sectarian response to terrorism.

The Council said the latest attack was particularly disturbing because Dekara and neighbouring communities had reportedly suffered repeated attacks, with the latest incident said to be the third major attack in recent times.

It noted that previous attacks had forced residents to flee their ancestral communities and seek refuge in other parts of Niger and Kwara states, as well as the Republic of Benin.

The NSCIA recalled that the latest attacks occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest on August 5.

The rescued victims, according to the Council, included 163 people abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 others abducted from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

While commending the security forces for the rescue operation, the NSCIA expressed concern that the renewed attacks could undermine recent security gains in the area.

It urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it described as episodic rescue operations and establish a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-based security architecture to prevent terrorists from reoccupying vulnerable communities.

The Council called for an immediate review of security arrangements across Niger and Kwara states and adjoining border communities, particularly around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists as operational and hostage-holding bases.

It further demanded the immediate mobilisation of resources to locate and rescue everyone still in captivity following the August 21 attacks, stressing that their safe recovery must be treated as a national emergency.

The NSCIA also urged security agencies to strengthen aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, arguing that forests and difficult terrains must no longer be allowed to serve as safe havens for terrorists.

It called for adequate equipment, logistics and motivation for security personnel deployed to vulnerable communities.

The Council also urged state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to deepen cooperation with security agencies, while ensuring adequate protection for community members who provide security information.

It advocated the lawful integration and regulation of community vigilante groups as part of broader community protection and early-warning mechanisms.

The NSCIA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministries of Defence and Interior, and relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring immediate and coordinated intervention.

The Council commiserated with families who lost loved ones in the attacks and prayed for the recovery of those injured.

It also urged families of abducted victims to remain hopeful, while calling on Muslims in Niger State and across Nigeria to remain steadfast and resolute in the face of terrorism.

The statement was signed by Abbas Jimoh, Public Affairs Officer of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.