Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that terrorists and bandits operating in Nigeria do not represent any religious group.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday in Sokoto, Tambuwal described the perpetrators of violence as common criminals who simply target vulnerable communities wherever they can.
He cautioned political leaders and the international community against politicising Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
Tambuwal also expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern by United States President Donald Trump, describing the move as unfortunate.
According to him, the label fails to capture the true nature and complexity of the country’s security challenges.
“I believe President Trump and the American government may not have fully understood the Nigerian situation. What we are dealing with is not a religious crisis but a security crisis that affects Nigerians across all faiths and backgrounds.
“These attackers do not represent any religion. What we see in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and other states clearly shows they are ordinary criminals, attacking anyone they encounter.
“People can no longer feel safe in mosques or churches. This is not about any religion or region; it is about Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
The former governor aligned with the Vatican’s position on the issue, noting that the Pope had rightly acknowledged that both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria are victims of widespread insecurity.
He stressed that insecurity has become a national challenge that cuts across politics, ethnicity and religion, and called for urgent collective action.
Tambuwal appealed to the United States and other international partners to reconsider their position and instead support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in tackling the crisis.
“This is not about Bola Tinubu as an individual, nor about APC or party politics. It is about our country. Any nation—America, France, the UK, Canada—that can help Nigeria overcome insecurity should please do so,” he added.
