24/06/2026
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has declared nationwide prayers against "enemies of the state" amid Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by JNI Secretary-General Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the Sultan urged Muslims to use the Tasu’a and Ashoora period to "pray fervently for Allah’s apt intervention and destruction against all the enemies of the Nigerian state."
He called on Muslims to remain "God-fearing and committed to the worship of Allah, and to be law-abiding at all times, peaceful, and industrious." Referencing Prophet Musa, he said: "As Muslims, we should be optimistic that the Lord of Musa, peace be upon him, who made Prophet Musa victorious over Pharaoh, remains the Lord of the world and unto Him alone we should rely for restitution over the most unfortunate security challenges bedevilling Nigeria."
The Sultan compared Nigeria’s crisis to the story of Pharaoh: "The way Allah, the Most High, rescued Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, and his people from the evil machinations of Pharaoh and his people, so shall we seek from Him over the murderous bandits, insurgents and kidnappers denying us peace and tranquillity in Nigeria."
He added that Nigerians should "continuously seek His forgiveness through Taubah and Istighfar," citing the Prophet Muhammad: "Whoever persist in seeking Allah’s intervention and relief through Istighfar, Allah will relieve him off his/her pangs."
