The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Alatoye Azeez, has urged Nigerians to show unwavering support for the armed forces, describing any form of collaboration with insurgents or bandits as both ungodly and a betrayal of national sacrifice.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme on Saturday, Azeez condemned what he referred to as the lack of citizen support for Nigerian soldiers, many of whom are laying down their lives in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“We can’t be colluding with bandits, terrorists, turning them against the soldiers. That is so ungodly and that is a lack of sense of sacrifice because as they are sacrificing themselves, we also have to sacrifice ourselves by supporting them fully,” Azeez said.
Reflecting on the ongoing Eid-al-Adha celebrations, the Amir emphasized the importance of true sacrifice, highlighting the example set by military personnel on the frontlines.
He lamented what he saw as a national failure to stand by those making the ultimate sacrifice.
“I can’t see that support for them, and a lot of them, you know, are dying, still, they are still committed. I also have a very strong belief we must provide very strong support to them,” he added.
According to Azeez, the disparity between the sacrifices of the troops and the attitudes of civilians is concerning.
“Unfortunately, the soldiers sacrifice their lives on the war front, but I do not see that level of sacrifice from the nation backing them up. It’s like we are pushing them forward to war fronts.”
“But we are turning back from them and leaving them alone. We must support all the soldiers; we can’t send them to the war front and not give them the right support.”
“And when I say the right support, I don’t mean only ammunition. All citizens of the country must stand by them,” he stressed.
Azeez also advocated for intensified efforts in civic education and national awareness, calling for the government and public institutions to do more in shaping a patriotic and security-conscious citizenry.
“We need to do a lot of the national orientation, and I also agree with Mr. President that we must provide that support,” he said.
His remarks echo sentiments shared by President Bola Tinubu, who, during Eid-al-Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Friday, called on Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s military personnel.
A statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the president as saying:
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone.”
“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens.”
