The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has placed Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, under significant pressure, demanding he either improve security in Sokoto state or resign from his position within 14 days. This ultimatum comes in response to a series of violent incidents in the region, including the recent killings of 44 individuals, among them an Imam, and the abduction of 19 others over the past three weeks.

In a statement released on August 22, 2026, the executive director of the group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Sokoto, which is considered a pivotal area for Muslims in Nigeria. Akintola emphasized that the attacks on the state are perceived as direct assaults on the Muslim community. He stated, "If Abuja is Nigeria's political capital, if Lagos is the country's economic hub, then Sokoto is the heart of Islamdom in Nigeria. Any attack on Sokoto is deemed by Nigerian Muslims as an attack on Muslims in general."

MURIC's statement highlighted that the Defence Minister had failed to uphold a pledge made upon his assumption of office to combat the rising tide of violence and insecurity across Nigeria. The group accused the Nigerian Army of being directly responsible for the security failures in Sokoto, calling for a robust defense mechanism to safeguard the region.

The urgency of the ultimatum was underscored by a recent warning from the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding potential terrorist attacks on educational institutions in Sokoto. This warning was described by MURIC as the tipping point that prompted their action against the Defence Minister.

MURIC's demands are clear: they expect visible and verifiable improvements in the security framework surrounding Sokoto by the end of the 14-day period, which commenced on August 24, 2026. The group has articulated a vision for Sokoto to be made "impregnable and unassailable," insisting that any failure to meet these expectations would leave the minister with no option but to resign.

In their statement, the group reiterated Musa's own words from when he took office, reminding him of his commitment not to fail his country or his community. They stated, "The Defence Minister has reneged on his pledge to stop killings. He has failed the people of Sokoto. He has failed Nigerians."

As the deadline approaches, both General Musa and President Bola Tinubu are now under scrutiny, with the public and various stakeholders closely watching the developments in Sokoto state and the government's response to the rising insecurity.