Sultan, Muslim Leaders Warn on Rising Insecurity, Calls for Unity and Leadership Action
By Exponent News Akure October 20, 2025
The Sultan of Sokoto has sounded a strong warning over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, urging traditional, political, and religious leaders to unite and confront the growing threat of armed violence spreading across the country.
According to the Analysts, during a virtual discussion on Monday, they emphasized that insecurity remains the nation’s greatest challenge and that the failure of leaders to act decisively could plunge the country into deeper chaos.
“We saw this problem coming, but we didn’t do the right thing,” he lamented, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s situation and crises in Libya and South Sudan, where unchecked instability led to prolonged conflict.
The Analyst also expressed concern about the unchecked flow of arms across West Africa, linking the availability of weapons to the rise in banditry and violent extremism.
“When these arms are everywhere, it can lead to the chaos we are talking about,” he said, noting that it has become easier for criminal groups to access weapons than for citizens to feel secure.
The Analyst praised northern traditional leaders for holding frequent meetings to address security and social issues, contrasting their efforts with the seeming disunity among traditional institutions in other parts of the country.
“At least northern leaders are pulling together,” he observed, while urging southern leaders to close ranks and prioritize peace and stability.
According to the discussants, Sultan, who is also the spiritual head of Muslims in Nigeria and a respected figure across West Africa, called for renewed collaboration between the government, religious institutions, and local communities to promote tolerance and social cohesion.
The Analyst particularly stressed the role of religious platforms — mosques and other places of worship — as centers for peacebuilding and dialogue rather than division.
“We need the support of governors and all stakeholders so that we can use the altars of Islam to push peace, which is what Islam truly stands for,” he said.
The Analyst further warned against the misuse of social media, which he said often fuels division and misinformation. They urged Nigerians to use digital platforms responsibly and promote unity instead of conflict.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with bandit attacks, insurgency, and communal clashes, the analyst ,’s call serves as a reminder that restoring peace requires not only government action but also moral and social leadership.
