IHRC-RFT Nigeria Expresses Concern Over the Increasing Cross-Border Movement of Pastoralists and Their Livestock

The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter, an organization with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), expresses deep concern over the growing movement of thousands of Nigerian pastoralists and millions of their livestock to neighbouring countries in search of grazing land, water, security, and peaceful livelihoods.

According to the Country Director of the Commission, Amb Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Following consultations and fact-finding engagements conducted by IHRC-RFT with pastoralist communities across different parts of Nigeria, many respondents stated that they are not leaving the country voluntarily. They attributed their migration to the shortage of grazing reserves and stock routes, insecurity, attacks by armed criminal groups and kidnappers, cattle rustling, harassment by some authorities and communities, and the increasing tendency to associate the entire pastoralist community with the crimes committed by a small number of individuals.

IHRC-RFT Nigeria is also concerned about the widespread stereotyping of the Fulani community as criminals because of the actions of a few offenders. The Fulani are one of Nigeria's largest ethnic communities, numbering in the millions, and they are themselves among the primary victims of armed violence, including killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and the destruction of their livelihoods. Holding an entire community responsible for the crimes of a few is unjust and only fuels discrimination, mistrust, and social division.

IHRC-RFT Nigeria therefore calls on the Federal Government and State Governments to take urgent measures to improve security, protect the rights of every Nigerian without discrimination, restore and preserve the legally recognized grazing reserves and stock routes that pastoralists have relied upon for generations, and strengthen peaceful coexistence among communities. We further caution that the continued migration of pastoralists and their livestock could have serious consequences for Nigeria's economy, particularly the livestock sector, meat and dairy production, and national food security.

This appeal is consistent with Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which guarantees freedom of movement, as well as Sections 41 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantee every citizen's right to freedom of movement and residence throughout Nigeria and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, origin, or other status.

IHRC-RFT Nigeria remains committed to working with government institutions, communities, and other stakeholders to promote human rights, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable solutions to the challenges affecting pastoralists and all Nigerians.

Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria States Position on Proposed State Police

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) has been closely monitoring the ongoing national discourse and legislative efforts aimed at establishing State Police in Nigeria. Recognising the significance of this issue to the country's future, the Council considers it both a patriotic responsibility and a moral obligation to present its position in the interest of justice, national unity and sustainable peace.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Council, Nafi'u Buba Ahmad, said Nigeria is currently facing one of the most serious security challenges in its history. Thousands of innocent citizens have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, agricultural production and economic activities have been severely disrupted, while many communities continue to live under the shadow of fear and insecurity.

 Islam places the protection of life, property and human dignity among the highest objectives of governance, making it incumbent upon those in authority to discharge their responsibilities with justice, sincerity and accountability before Allah (SWT) and the Nigerian people.

While acknowledging every sincere initiative aimed at improving security, the Council believes that the establishment of State Police should not be regarded as an automatic or immediate solution to the nation's security problems. In the Council's view, the weaknesses within Nigeria's current security system are largely attributable to inadequate funding, corruption, shortage of personnel, poor welfare, weak intelligence gathering, obsolete equipment and ineffective coordination among security agencies.

These fundamental challenges, the Council notes, will not simply disappear through the decentralisation of policing powers.

 

t therefore advocates comprehensive reforms of existing security institutions by prioritising improved funding, recruitment of qualified personnel, deployment of modern technology, enhanced intelligence capabilities, strengthened border security, greater accountability and professionalism.

The Council also expresses concern over what appears to be the hurried approach to constitutional amendments relating to the proposed State Police. It stresses that any alteration to the nation's security architecture must be preceded by extensive national consultations, transparent public hearings and broad consensus among all segments of society.

Consequently, the Council is disappointed that the National Assembly's handling of the matter has been widely perceived as lacking sufficient openness, inclusiveness and meaningful public engagement. It, however, commends those legislators who insisted on due process, wider consultation and the protection of the national interest, describing their position as a reflection of genuine democratic representation.

Furthermore, the Council warns against the possibility of State Police being used as instruments of political intimidation, oppression or discrimination. Given Nigeria's complex ethnic, religious and political diversity, every citizen must be guaranteed equal protection under the Constitution.

Accordingly, the Council insists that before any State Police structure is established, there must be strong constitutional safeguards, independent oversight bodies, transparent and merit-based recruitment, professional training standards, effective complaint and disciplinary mechanisms, judicial and legislative oversight, sustainable funding and firm protections against abuse of power.

 Without these essential safeguards, the proposed reform risks creating new challenges instead of addressing existing ones.

The Council therefore calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, state governments and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that genuine nationwide consultations are conducted and that the legitimate concerns of Nigerians are adequately addressed before any final decision is taken.

Finally, the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria prays that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants the nation's leaders wisdom, sincerity and courage to take decisions that will uphold justice, strengthen national unity and restore lasting peace and security across the country.

Kano Special Task Force on Drug Abuse Conducts Joint Show of Force, Arrests 13 Suspects

 In furtherance of the Kano State Government’s unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse, illicit trafficking and other forms of criminality, the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday, 31st July 2026 successfully conducted a Joint Patrol and Show of Force Operation across strategic locations within the Kano Metropolitan area.

According to the Director Public Enlightenment of KSNWC, Yusuf Abubakar Ibrahim the operation, which commenced immediately after a strategic briefing by the Chairman of the Committee, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, brought together key security and law enforcement agencies in a coordinated effort to reinforce public safety and strengthen security across the State.

While addressing the participating personnel before the commencement of the exercise, the Chairman charged all security operatives to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and dedication throughout the operation. 

He reiterated the resolve of the Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to rid the State of drug-related crimes and ensure a peaceful, secure and crime-free society for all residents.

The joint operation involved over 200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano State Security Neighbourhood Watch Corps (KSNWC), Kano State Anti-Phone Snatching Committee (KOSSAP), Vigilante Groups and other collaborating security agencies.

The operation was led by the Commander, Anti-Daba Squad, Superintendent of Police B.M. Gwadabe. Also participating were the Deputy Commander General of the Kano State Security Neighbourhood Watch Corps, Major Abubakar (Rtd), the Director of Operations of the Corps, Habibu Balarabe Madigawa, alongside other officers and personnel from the participating security agencies.

During the operation, the security personnel conducted intensive patrols and a show of force through identified crime-prone areas and known flashpoints, including Kofar Nassarawa/Railway Axis, Filin Mahaha, Makabarta, Kwanar Goda, Mandawari, Dan Agundi, Jakara, Gadon Kaya, Gwale and several other strategic locations within the Kano metropolis.

The exercise was designed to enhance inter-agency collaboration, deter criminal activities, disrupt the operations of drug dealers and illicit traffickers and reassure law-abiding residents of the continuous presence and preparedness of security agencies to protect lives and property.

As a result of the operation, thirteen (13) suspects were arrested at different locations for various suspected offences. The suspects have since been handed over to the Anti-Daba authorities for thorough investigation and further legal action in accordance with the law.

The operation was completed successfully without any security breach or untoward incident, while Personnel from all participating agencies demonstrated exemplary discipline, professionalism and operational synergy throughout the exercise, further underscoring the effectiveness of sustained inter-agency cooperation in addressing security challenges.

The Kano State Security Neighbourhood Watch Corps commends the leadership of the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, all participating security agencies and the good people of Kano State for their continued support and cooperation in the collective effort to safeguard the State.

The Corps wishes to reassure members of the public that it will continue to work closely with sister security agencies in support of the vision of the Kano State Government to eliminate drug abuse, curb illicit trafficking, combat youth-related violence and sustain peace, security and public order across the State.

Chairman of Special Task Force Strengthens Partnership with Anti-Drug NGOs

The Chairman of the Special Task Force Committee on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Barr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, has reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to deepening collaboration with civil society organizations in the ongoing campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

In a statement signed by the Media and Publicity Unit of the Committee, Rimin Gado gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from the Coalition of NGOs Against Drug Abuse (CONADA), led by the League for Societal Protection Against Drug Abuse (LESPADA), during a courtesy visit.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss strategies for enhancing cooperation in tackling the growing challenges of drug abuse, illicit drug trafficking, and other related social vices affecting communities.

The discussions underscored the need for sustained public enlightenment, preventive measures, youth-focused advocacy, community participation, and stronger institutional partnerships to curb the increasing prevalence of drug abuse, particularly among young people.

The Chairman commended CONADA and its member organizations for their dedication to promoting a drug-free society and acknowledged the critical role of non-governmental organizations in complementing government efforts.

He reiterated the Special Task Force Committee's readiness to work closely with NGOs, relevant government institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders to implement effective and sustainable measures aimed at protecting society from the devastating effects of drug abuse.