The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, declaring that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are enemies of both Islam and humanity.
The council described the attack, which claimed the life of a teacher and led to the abduction of several students and teachers, as a cruel act that underscores the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in parts of the country.
In a statement issued by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA called for stronger security measures to stop further attacks on schools and communities, saying the repeated targeting of children and teachers is unacceptable.
The council said terrorism remains one of the greatest security challenges facing Nigeria and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to defeat insurgents and protect vulnerable communities.
According to the statement, the latest attack in Lassa once again highlights the need for improved intelligence gathering and better coordination among security agencies.
The NSCIA noted that terrorists reportedly took advantage of the community’s market day to enter Lassa unnoticed before launching the attack on the school.
It said the incident showed that insurgents continue to adjust their tactics by exploiting security gaps and taking advantage of busy public activities to avoid detection.
“The repeated kidnapping and killing of school children is unacceptable and amounts to a despicable crime against humanity,” the council said.
It also expressed concern that many victims abducted during previous attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo states are still being held by their captors.
The council called on the authorities to ensure that all abducted victims are rescued safely and reunited with their families.
The attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa has added to growing concerns over the safety of schools in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted educational institutions.
Over the past decade, schools in several states, including Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Zamfara and Sokoto, have suffered attacks involving mass abductions of students and teachers.
Many of the victims were later rescued or released after negotiations, while some remained in captivity for long periods.
The NSCIA said the continued attacks on schools threaten children’s right to education and create fear among parents, teachers and communities.
It stressed that protecting schools should remain a top priority for governments at all levels.
The council urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and cooperation among the military, police, intelligence agencies and local communities.
It also recommended the expansion of community-based early warning systems to enable residents to report suspicious activities before attacks occur.
According to the NSCIA, local communities play an important role in supporting security agencies through timely information that can help prevent terrorist attacks.
The council also pointed to Enugu State’s technology-driven security system as an example that could be adopted by other states.
It said the use of surveillance technology, improved communication systems and coordinated intelligence sharing could help security agencies respond more quickly to emerging threats.
While expressing concern over the latest attack, the NSCIA commended the Armed Forces for their response.
The council specifically praised troops of Operation HADIN KAI for rescuing some of the abducted victims during follow-up operations.
Operation HADIN KAI is the military campaign established to combat Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents across the North-East, particularly in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
In recent months, the military has continued air and ground operations aimed at destroying terrorist camps, recovering weapons and rescuing hostages across the Lake Chad region and the Sambisa Forest.
The NSCIA encouraged the security forces to sustain the ongoing operations until all those abducted during the Lassa attack are safely rescued.
The council also paid tribute to the soldier and member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
It described their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage and commitment to protecting innocent Nigerians.
The NSCIA extended its condolences to the Government of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, the families of those killed and everyone affected by the attack.
Reaffirming its position on terrorism, the council stated that Boko Haram and ISWAP do not represent the religion of Islam.
“Boko Haram and ISWAP are enemies of Islam and humanity,” the statement declared.
The council said no religion supports the killing of innocent people, the abduction of children or attacks on schools and places of learning.
It urged religious leaders across the country to continue preaching peace, tolerance and respect for human life while rejecting extremist ideologies that encourage violence.
The NSCIA also called on the government to ensure that terrorists are arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.
According to the council, holding perpetrators accountable is necessary to strengthen public confidence in the justice system and discourage future attacks.
Despite recent gains recorded by security forces, Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to launch attacks on communities, military formations and public institutions in parts of the North-East.
The NSCIA said lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained military operations, effective intelligence, community participation and firm action against those responsible for acts of terrorism.