Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator for Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has reacted to Nigeria’s security crisis, describing the situation as alarming and calling for unified action at home and abroad.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Sokoto, Tambuwal noted that insecurity has spread across all regions and faiths, and warned against attempts to frame the crisis in religious terms.
He stressed that bandits and armed criminals “do not represent any religion” but are driven by violence and lawlessness.
“The insecurity we face today affects Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds. These criminals spare nobody. Their crusade is purely criminal in nature and has nothing to do with religion,” he said, adding that communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and beyond continue to suffer devastating attacks.
Tambuwal urged the United States to reconsider Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, and instead work constructively with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address national security threats.
He described comments attributed to former US President Donald Trump on Nigeria as “quite unfortunate” and lacking an understanding of current realities.
He said the earlier position expressed by the Pope, that Nigerians of all religions are victims of violence, more accurately reflects the situation.
“Insecurity in Nigeria is not about religion. These marauders are common criminals who attack everyone they encounter. Christians, Muslims and people of all beliefs are affected alike,” he said.
Tambuwal called on international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and others, to assist Nigeria with intelligence, equipment and strategic collaboration to dismantle violent criminal networks.
He also urged political leaders within the country to unite behind President Tinubu in the national interest, insisting that security must not be politicised.
“This is not about any individual, party or government. It is about Nigeria and the safety of our people.
“As leaders who have been privileged by this country, we must approach this crisis from a pan-Nigerian and patriotic standpoint. Every hand must be on deck to free our people from the shackles of insecurity,” he added.
