The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has rejected what it described as the profiling of Muslims and Islam as drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, saying such allegations are baseless and harmful.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the council said Muslims have continued to exercise restraint despite what it called repeated provocation, attacks and the unfair profiling of Islam in the country.
The statement was a response to comments made by Ayo Oritsejafor, a former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), during an interview on Channels Television last Tuesday.
During the interview, Oritsejafor claimed that “99.9 per cent” of those responsible for insecurity in Nigeria are Muslims.
Reacting to the remarks, the NSCIA described the comments as “reckless, baseless and irresponsible”, adding that they unfairly portrayed Islam and Muslims.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to peace and national unity under the leadership of its President-General, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, but warned that continued restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
It also argued that Muslims are being marginalised in Nigeria’s public space while simultaneously facing accusations of oppression and persecution. According to the council, such narratives risk creating division and unrest.
The NSCIA further criticised the television interview, describing it as appearing “more like a well-rehearsed drama than an interview”, and urged authorities to address what it called increasing attacks on the integrity of Islam and Muslims in public discourse.
