The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of bomb attacks in Borno State, warning that the country may be drifting back to a period of heightened insecurity.

Speaking Wednesday night at his palace in Sokoto, shortly after announcing the end of Ramadan and declaring March 20, 2026, as Eid-el-Fitr, the monarch questioned the recent spike in violence.

“Are we now back to the bad old days?” he asked.

The Sultan, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and leader of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, condemned the attacks and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to decisively tackle insurgency.

“We condemn this new wave of bomb attacks in the strongest terms and charge the military and other security and intelligence agencies to step up efforts to nip terrorism and insurgency in the bud,” he said.

He stressed that security operations must be proactive, urging authorities to take the battle directly to insurgents rather than waiting for attacks to occur.

“Relocation of Army and other security chiefs should not be ceremonial. Take the war to the terrorists where they are. Don’t wait for them to strike before defending or finding remedies,” he added.

Reaffirming his long-standing stance, the Sultan described the violence as un-Islamic and warned against linking terrorism to the religion.

“It is un-Islamic and not recognised by Islam. It should not be attributed to Islam,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government to demonstrate strong political will in safeguarding lives and property across the country.

“The government must summon the political will required to ensure effective security for all citizens, regardless of religion or tribe, and stamp out these criminal elements nationwide,” he stated.

For over a decade, Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgency led by Boko Haram and its faction, Islamic State West Africa Province. While sustained military operations have significantly degraded the groups and reclaimed territories, attacks have continued in the form of bombings, ambushes and raids.

Recent incidents have heightened fears of a possible resurgence, with analysts noting that insurgents have increasingly relied on asymmetric tactics such as improvised explosive devices.

The Sultan’s remarks echo growing concerns among stakeholders over the need for sustained and more aggressive counter-insurgency measures.

He, however, extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, as well as families affected by the attacks, praying for the repose of the victims and speedy recovery for the injured. (Nigerian Tribune)

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