“NSCIA Warns Against Religious and Ethnic Profiling of Criminals, Calls for National Unity in Security Efforts”

“NSCIA Warns Against Religious and Ethnic Profiling of Criminals, Calls for National Unity in Security Efforts”

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has cautioned Nigerians against the growing tendency to associate criminal activities with particular religious or ethnic groups, warning that such profiling threatens national cohesion and undermines collective efforts to combat insecurity.

In a statement addressing recent security concerns across the country, the council emphasized that criminality is an individual act and should not be used as a basis for stigmatizing entire communities, faiths, or ethnic nationalities. According to the NSCIA, linking crimes to specific religious or ethnic identities fuels prejudice, deepens social divisions, and distracts from the broader objective of addressing the root causes of insecurity.

The council stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges require a united and evidence-based approach driven by justice, intelligence gathering, and effective law enforcement rather than sentiments rooted in ethnicity or religion. It noted that indiscriminate labeling of communities could create mistrust among citizens and weaken cooperation with security agencies, which remains essential for preventing and combating crime.

The NSCIA further urged political leaders, media organizations, civil society groups, and citizens to exercise caution in public discourse and avoid narratives capable of inflaming tensions. The organization called for responsible communication that promotes national unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse populations.

Analysts have consistently warned that ethnic and religious profiling can exacerbate existing fault lines in multi-ethnic societies, making conflict resolution and peace building more difficult. The NSCIA’s intervention comes amid ongoing national conversations about security, social cohesion, and the need for inclusive strategies to address violent crime and other threats to public safety.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and national development, urging Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support efforts aimed at strengthening unity, justice, and sustainable peace across the country.