The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has lifted its 14-day ultimatum to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), following sustained military operations against bandits in Sokoto State.
MURIC had on August 22, 2026, demanded decisive military action against terrorist attacks in the state or the resignation of the Defence Minister.
The group’s latest position was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, August 29, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
Akintola said the decision followed what he described as sustained military operations by the Nigerian military against armed groups in Sokoto, particularly on Wednesday, August 26, and Friday, August 28.
According to him, troops of the Nigerian Army launched a major clearance operation against armed groups in Maikujera, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
He said the operation involved the deployment of Armoured Personnel Carriers and other military assets, while troops moved into the area to dislodge the bandits.
“Reports indicate that troops of the Nigerian Army launched a major clearance operation against armed groups in Maikujera, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” Akintola said.
He added that several bandits were reportedly killed during the operation, while survivors fled the area.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, was also quoted as describing the operation as “hugely successful.”
MURIC commended the soldiers for the offensive and expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister for what it described as prompt action against the armed groups.
“In the face of this ongoing military action, we hereby lift our 14-day ultimatum which was due to expire on Monday, 7th September, 2026,” the group said.
Akintola explained that MURIC took the decision because it did not want to maintain an ultimatum after the military had begun taking concrete action.
“MURIC is a middle-roader. We do not take extreme positions. We issued the ultimatum when it was obvious that the caliphate was endangered. We will not delay its lifting by one day once we have seen the military going into action against the terrorists,” he said.
The group, however, urged the Nigerian Army to sustain the offensive and intensify operations until the threat posed by terrorists and bandits in the state is eliminated.
“Nonetheless, we call on the army to sustain the tempo and to leave no stone unturned until no single terrorist remains on Sokoto soil,” Akintola said.
He stressed the religious and historical importance of Sokoto to Nigerian Muslims, saying the state’s significance should not be undermined by insecurity.
“Sokoto is the Makkah of Nigeria. Its significance to Muslims must not be desecrated or diminished,” he added.
