Press releases
The Ulama Forum in Nigeria hereby expresses strong opposition to the use of
external Israeli security to address Nigeria’s internal security crises.
We are deeply concerned by what appears to be a unilateral and undemocratic posture
of the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, who is widely reported
to have engaged in a most risky and insensitive diplomatic romance with the Zionist
and apartheid state of Israel. At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel
because of its unconscionable genocide against the people of Palestine, the Minister
in question is inviting Israeli authorities to “assist” Nigeria in managing its internal
security challenges. Nigeria should have been in the forefront of the countries lending
support to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of
Justice (ICJ).
This self-serving approach not only undermines national sovereignty but also poses
significant risks to the country’s long-term stability and security. How on earth could
a country that is battling for its own survival assist any other country that is even
better-off in terms of security issues? One cannot give what one does not have!
It should be realised that internal security issues require homegrown solutions that
prioritize community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance. We are
positive that the Nigerian security personnel are up to the task, and if they need any
assistance, it cannot be from a country that is being increasingly stigmatized and
isolated due to its flagrant disregard for international law, human rights, and heartless
massacre of innocent and defenceless women and children.
It is our conviction that external interventions in our affairs would only exacerbate
existing tensions, create new conflicts, and erode trust in local institutions
OUR KEY CONCERNS
The Ulama Forum is emphatically concerned with the following obvious negative
consequences of direct engagement with any external power, more so Israel, in
Nigeria’s quest to curb insurgencies and quell internal security challenges:
i. Erosion of Sovereignty: External security interventions can compromise
national sovereignty and undermine the country’s ability to self-govern.
ii. Accountability: External security agencies may not be accountable to local
laws, regulations, or human rights standards, thus potentially leading to abuses
and human rights violations.
iii. Sustainability: External solutions may not address the root causes of
internal security challenges. Rather, they will end up creating dependence on
foreign assistance and undermining local capacity building.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Instead of relying on external countries, the Ulama Forum ardently recommends the
following measures:
1. Strengthen National Institutions: Invest in capacity-building of
national security agencies, law enforcement, intelligence-gathering, and
community organizations to address internal security challenges.
2. Promote Community Engagement: Foster inclusive dialogue and
community engagement to address the root causes of insecurity and
build trust and cooperation between citizens and security agencies. The
recent example of a highly lopsided shortlist of Nigeria Navy School
candidates must be avoided to win the trust and confidence of the entire
Nigerian society.
3. Prioritize Human Rights: Ensure that all security interventions
prioritize human rights, dignity, and the rule of law. The prevalence of
purported accidental killings of innocent civilians by security agencies
can only push citizens into mistrust of the latter.
4. Suspects apprehended for the breach of peace: These must be
duly prosecuted and seen to be appropriately punished.
5. Multi-dimensional poverty must be addressed; corruption must
genuinely be fought; and ostentatious lifestyles by officials,
which breed jealousy and encourage criminality in the citizens,
must be eschewed.
Finally, we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria, in its own political interest and
the sensitivities of the citizenry, to call to order the erring Minister and to prioritize
homegrown solutions and community-led initiatives in addressing the internal security
challenges. Meanwhile, we shall, as it is our wont, continue to pray for Allah’s guidance
and support to our gallant and patriotic security personnel.
Signed This Day Monday Rabi al-Awwal 01, 1447 AH (August 25, 2025)
Aminu Inuwa Muhammad MSW, MFCE Engr Basheer Adamu Aliyu
