Former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Tambuwal, has stated that insecurity is not about religion, expressing concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation in the country.
He described it as deeply troubling and urging collective action both within and outside the country.
Tambuwal made the remarks while speaking with journalists at his residence in Sokoto, where he observed that insecurity has affected all parts of the country regardless of region or religion, cautioning against attempts to portray the crisis along religious lines.
According to him, bandits and other armed groups should not be linked to any faith, as their actions are rooted solely in criminality and violence.
“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, noting that communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and other areas continue to endure deadly attacks.
The former governor appealed to the United States to review Nigeria’s classification as a Country of Particular Concern, urging instead a more supportive engagement with the administration of President Bola Tinubu to tackle the country’s security challenges.
He described remarks reportedly made by former United States President Donald Trump about Nigeria as “quite unfortunate,” saying they failed to reflect the realities on ground.
Tambuwal added that the earlier position expressed by the Pope, acknowledging that Nigerians of all religious backgrounds are victims of violence, offered a more accurate depiction of the crisis.
“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.
He further called on Nigeria’s international partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Canada, to support the country through intelligence sharing, provision of equipment and strategic cooperation aimed at dismantling criminal networks.
Tambuwal also appealed to political leaders across the country to close ranks in support of President Tinubu, stressing that security issues should not be reduced to partisan considerations.
“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.
