In a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the Council, led by its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, expressed outrage over the attack, during which a teacher was killed while several students and teachers were abducted.

The Council said the incident underscores the persistent threat posed by terrorism and called for an uncompromising national response to protect schools and vulnerable communities.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that NSCIA describes the continued targeting of educational institutions as “a national disgrace that strikes at the very heart of Nigeria’s future” and must be brought to an immediate end.

The Council noted with concern that the latest attack occurred only weeks after the abduction of 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in the same Askira Uba Local Government Area on May 15, as well as the kidnapping of 49 pupils and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on the same day. It observed that many of the victims remain in captivity.

The Islamic body further expressed concern that the attackers reportedly took advantage of Lassa Town’s market day to infiltrate the community before launching the assault, saying the development demonstrates the evolving tactics of terrorist groups and the need for stronger intelligence gathering, surveillance, inter-agency collaboration and community-based early warning systems.

The NSCIA also urged governments at all levels to adopt technology-driven security measures, citing the Enugu State Government’s recently introduced AI-powered security architecture, which features a Command and Control Centre, surveillance drones and AI-enabled patrol vehicles capable of identifying threats and tracking criminals in real time.

While commending the Armed Forces, particularly troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for their swift deployment of ground and air assets that led to the rescue of some abducted students and teachers, the Council insisted that security operations should continue until all those still in captivity are safely rescued and reunited with their families.

The Council also paid tribute to the soldier and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who lost their lives during the rescue mission, describing their sacrifice as a demonstration of courage and patriotism in the fight against terrorism.

Reaffirming Islam’s position on violence, the NSCIA declared that terrorism has no place in the religion, stressing that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are enemies of both Islam and humanity.

It stated that the activities of the terrorist groups violate the Islamic principles of justice, mercy, the sanctity of human life and the pursuit of knowledge, adding that those who kill innocent people, abduct children and destroy schools cannot claim to represent Islam or any recognised faith.

The Council extended its condolences to the Government and people of Borno State, the management of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, families of the victims and all those affected by the attack.

It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain efforts to defeat terrorism, rescue all abductees and ensure that those responsible for attacks on innocent citizens are apprehended and brought to justice.

The post Sultan Condemns School Attacks, Says ISWAP, Boko Haram Are Enemies of Islam appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

The assurance was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume CON, on Sunday during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The Democracy Day Service which has the theme, “God of hope, actualise our dreams,” was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Mrs, Didi Walson-Jack.

Akume, who delivered President Tinubu’s message, congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999, describing the milestone as a testament to the resilience, commitment and sacrifices of citizens who fought for the restoration of democracy.

He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and patriots of the June 12 struggle, noting that many endured persecution, injuries and even death in the quest to secure democratic governance for the country.

The SGF said the President remains committed to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities and would “double his efforts” to ensure that the socio-economic difficulties currently confronting Nigerians are substantially reduced through the delivery of sustainable democratic dividends.

Acknowledging the hardship facing many households, Senator Akume said the government was fully aware of the economic strain, insecurity, kidnappings and displacement affecting several communities across the country.

“Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries,” he said, adding that Tinubu was leading efforts to address the challenges with compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

On security, the SGF stressed that the safety of Nigerians remains a top priority of the Federal Government, describing recent attacks and abductions as painful reminders that more work remains to be done.

He assured citizens that the safe return of all persons in captivity remains a national priority, noting that security agencies and relevant institutions are being supported with the necessary resources to protect lives, secure communities and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation,” he declared.

With political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gradually gathering momentum, the SGF urged Nigerians to reject violence, hate campaigns and divisive rhetoric, warning that democracy must never be reduced to a battleground.

He particularly appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, misinformation campaigns, ethnic abuse or religious intolerance.

“Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician’s temporary convenience,” he said.

The SGF also called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media and families to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible conduct as the nation moves toward another election cycle.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, interfaith harmony and peaceful engagement with the international community, insisting that despite existing challenges, the country’s democratic institutions remain strong and resilient.

He applauded members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation and sustaining democratic rule.

He urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of June 12 heroes by working towards a nation where elections are peaceful, leaders are accountable, communities are secure and every citizen can live with dignity.

The post FG Won’t Surrender to Terrorists, Bandits, Tinubu Assures Nigerians appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Daily Dates Nigeria reports that Eyewitnesses said the assailant infiltrated the mosque unnoticed and detonated the explosive device while worshippers were observing the Maghrib congregational prayer. The blast caused extensive damage within the mosque premises and left several people injured.

Some worshippers who survived the attack recounted that the explosion was sudden and devastating, forcing many to flee for safety. They described scenes of confusion as people attempted to rescue the wounded amid the rubble.

Security operatives and emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene to evacuate victims and secure the area. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while security agencies cordoned off the mosque for investigation.

The attack has been widely condemned by residents and religious leaders, who described it as a senseless act of terror against innocent Muslims at worship. Authorities have vowed to track down those responsible and reinforce security around places of worship across the state.

The post Terror Attack on Muslims as Suicide Bomber Detonates Bomb in Mosque appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a Statement on Sunday afternoon disclosed that: “Nigeria, with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), is organizing a high-level African counter-terrorism summit under the theme, ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism’, in Abuja, from April 22 to April 23.

He said the “objective of the summit is to enhance multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and reshape the international community’s collective response to terrorism in Africa, while emphasizing the importance of African-led and African-owned solutions.

“The summit will provide a platform to review the nature and severity of the threat of terrorism on the continent, with a view to agreeing on concrete strategic priorities and measures to address this scourge. It will also foster deeper regional collaboration, enhancing the institutional capacity of member states and facilitating the exchange of best practices and knowledge to combat the multifaceted threat of terrorism in Africa.

“Heads of state and government and high-level government officials across Africa, representatives of international organizations and multilateral institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of civil society groups are expected to attend the summit.

“Ms. Amina Mohammed, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, will attend the event.

“Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, and Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, UNOCT, will deliver the concluding remarks at the end of the summit.

The post Tinubu, UN Delegates To Attend African Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja appeared first on Daily Dates Nigeria.