As Insecurity Persists, Group Urges Tinubu to Lead Nationwide Prayer Against Terror

By Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

The Nigerian Muslims Forum has thrown its weight behind the call by the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, for divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s lingering security challenges, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a national prayer session for peace and stability.

Speaking in Gusau, the Secretary-General of the Forum, Professor AbdulKadir Umar Na’amo, described Matawalle’s position as “timely, courageous and necessary,” insisting that military operations alone may not be sufficient to defeat the complex security threats confronting the nation.

According to him, while the armed forces and security agencies continue to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, Nigerians must also seek the intervention of Almighty God to restore lasting peace.

“Nigeria’s security challenges require both physical and spiritual responses. Prayer remains a powerful instrument capable of bringing peace, stability and divine guidance in our collective efforts to overcome insecurity,” he said.

Professor Na’amo commended President Tinubu for sustaining the fight against criminal elements, noting that noticeable gains have been recorded in parts of the North-West and other regions since the administration assumed office.

He observed that the President inherited enormous security challenges but has demonstrated commitment through enhanced military operations, improved intelligence gathering and increased support for security agencies.

“The relative peace gradually returning to several communities, especially in the North-West, is commendable when compared to the difficult security situation inherited by the current administration,” he stated.

The Forum called on the President to bring together Christian and Muslim clerics, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders from across the six geopolitical zones for a National Prayer Session aimed at seeking divine guidance and protection for the country.

According to the group, such a gathering would foster national unity and strengthen collective resolve against forces threatening Nigeria’s peace, security and development.

Professor Na’amo stressed that criminal elements hiding under religious, ethnic or political identities should not be linked to any genuine faith.

“Those responsible for the killing of innocent citizens, destruction of property and acts of terror are enemies of humanity. They merely exploit false narratives to spread fear and destabilise the country,” he said.

He maintained that despite years of kinetic and non-kinetic measures deployed against insurgents and bandits, prayers and moral support for security personnel remain critical to achieving lasting success.

“What Nigerians must do is continue supporting government efforts through prayers while our gallant troops intensify operations against criminal elements. We believe Almighty God can grant our security forces greater victories and frustrate those determined to undermine the peace and unity of our nation,” he added.

The Forum urged Nigerians, irrespective of religious affiliation, to pray for the country, support security agencies with credible intelligence and promote peaceful coexistence, unity and national cohesion.