Top security officials in Nigeria have called on the public to actively participate in the ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of insecurity plaguing the country.
The plea was made during the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture and Prayers for the Nation, held in Abuja on Saturday.
The event, organized by the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation, focused on the theme “Balancing Religious Rites and Public Safety: The Intersection of Ramadan, Hajj and National Security.”
Dr. Sharafudeen Aliagan, Chairman and Founder of the Foundation, emphasized the importance of finding a balance between religious obligations, public safety, and national security in his keynote address.
Dr. Aliagan highlighted that Islam has five pillars, including beliefs in Allah and messengers, Zakat (charitable giving), fasting during Ramadan, and Hajj pilgrimage.
He stressed that as Muslims observe these religious rituals, they must also be conscious of public safety and national security.
Fasting, he noted, promotes self-discipline and consciousness of Allah, making it unlikely for a fasting Muslim to engage in nefarious activities.
Addressing the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, represented by Maj.-Gen. Olatunji Bello, Director of Support Services at the Defence Headquarters, called on Muslims to pray for the country’s security.
Gen. Musa acknowledged the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity and assured the public that they are intensifying their efforts.
Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by Air Commodore Lawal Lukman, Director of Islamic Affairs at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, commended the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation for organizing the lecture.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force is not only focused on military operations but also the spiritual well-being of its personnel and their families.
Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Rear Adm. Malami Haruna Rasheed, Director of Policy at the Naval Headquarters, stressed the importance of finding a permanent balance between religious practices and ensuring public safety and national security.
Vice Adm. Ogalla emphasized the need for collective efforts in restoring normalcy in the country.
The event also featured prominent Islamic scholars, Sheikh Fuad Adeyemi and Dr. Nurein Dindi, who called upon Nigerians to seek divine intervention in overcoming the nation’s numerous challenges during the holy month of Ramadan.
The call for collective efforts against insecurity comes at a crucial time when the Nigerian government and security agencies are working tirelessly to address the country’s security concerns.
