The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian military to adopt a more proactive strategy in combating terrorism following deadly bomb attacks in Maiduguri.
He made the appeal on Wednesday while declaring Friday as Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
The call comes in the wake of twin bombings in Maiduguri on Monday, which reportedly claimed 23 lives and left more than 100 others injured. The explosions occurred at a local market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover in the city.
Condemning the attacks, the Sultan urged security forces to take the fight directly to terrorist enclaves rather than reacting after incidents 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 un-Islamic, stressing that such acts of violence have no basis in the teachings of Islam.
The Sultan also called on the government to demonstrate strong political will in safeguarding citizens across the country, regardless 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 urged Nigerians to promote peace, unity, and coexistence, noting that national development depends on a secure and harmonious society.
