Nigeria’s security approach has come under renewed scrutiny following deadly attacks in Maiduguri, with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, calling for a decisive change in how the military confronts terrorism.
The call comes days after coordinated explosions on Monday rocked parts of Borno State’s capital, killing at least 23 people and leaving more than 100 others injured. The attacks struck a busy market, the entrance of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office flyover, raising fresh concerns about civilian safety.
Speaking on Wednesday while announcing the end of Ramadan and the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Sultan urged security forces to move beyond reactive measures. He stressed the need for a proactive strategy that targets insurgents in their hideouts before attacks are carried out.
According to him, waiting for incidents to occur before responding exposes communities to avoidable risks. He called on the military to intensify operations in known terrorist enclaves, describing such an approach as critical to restoring public confidence and reducing casualties.
The traditional ruler also urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger political commitment in addressing insecurity nationwide. He said effective leadership and coordinated action across security agencies are essential to dismantling violent networks and protecting lives.
Condemning the Maiduguri bombings, the Sultan described the attacks as contrary to religious teachings, emphasizing that acts of terror should not be linked to Islam. He noted that promoting accurate understanding of faith is important in countering extremist narratives.
As Nigeria grapples with recurring security threats, the Sultan’s remarks highlight a growing demand for strategic reforms. Observers say a shift toward intelligence-driven and preventive operations could play a key role in limiting future attacks and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
