Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has sharply criticised attempts to frame Nigeria’s escalating insecurity as a religious conflict, insisting that bandits terrorising communities are “pure criminals” rather than religious militants.
Speaking with reporters in Sokoto, Tambuwal said the violence unfolding across northern and north-western states affects Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds and bears no religious motivation. He emphasised that those carrying out kidnappings, killings and raids do so for criminal gains and lawlessness, not ideology or faith.
“These marauders do not represent any religion,” Tambuwal said, pointing to attacks in states including Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto that have victimised both Christians and Muslims.
Tambuwal’s intervention comes amid controversy over international perceptions of Nigeria’s security situation, including a recent U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” a move he described as “unfortunate” and based on an incomplete understanding of the crisis.
He echoed remarks by the Pope, who has also highlighted that insecurity spares no religious group, and called on global partners including the United States, United Kingdom, France and Canada to support Nigeria with intelligence, equipment and strategic cooperation rather than framing the violence as religious persecution.
Tambuwal further urged Nigerian leaders to unite across political lines to address the challenge, warning against politicising security and stressing that the crisis affects every Nigerian.
Security analysts note that while banditry in Nigeria is often perceived in religious or ethnic terms, evidence shows these groups operate as criminal networks with economic motives, targeting communities indiscriminately rather than pursuing a religious agenda.
