MURIC Withdraws Ultimatum to Defence Minister, Commends Military Operations in Sokoto

MURIC Withdraws Ultimatum to Defence Minister, Commends Military Operations in Sokoto

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has withdrawn its 14-day ultimatum to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), following recent military operations against terrorists and bandits in Sokoto State.

MURIC had issued the ultimatum on August 22, 2026, demanding decisive action against persistent attacks in the state or the resignation of the Defence Minister.

However, in a statement issued on Saturday, August 29, the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the ultimatum had been lifted following what he described as concrete military action against armed groups operating in Sokoto.

Akintola said the decision was particularly influenced by military operations conducted on August 26 and 28, including a major clearance operation in Maikujera, Rabah Local Government Area.

According to him, Nigerian Army troops deployed armoured personnel carriers and other military assets in the operation to dislodge armed groups from the area. Several bandits were reportedly neutralised, while others fled.

MURIC also cited comments attributed to the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, who described the operation as “hugely successful.”

Commending the troops for their efforts, MURIC expressed appreciation to the Defence Minister for what it described as a prompt response to the security situation.

“In the face of this ongoing military action, we hereby lift our 14-day ultimatum,” the group said, noting that the ultimatum was originally scheduled to expire on September 7, 2026.

Akintola explained that the group considered it inappropriate to maintain the ultimatum after the military had commenced operations against the security threat.

He described MURIC as taking a balanced approach to national issues, saying the group would withdraw its demand once it observed tangible action by security forces.

Despite withdrawing the ultimatum, MURIC urged the Nigerian Army to sustain and intensify its operations until terrorist and bandit activities in Sokoto State are brought to an end.

The group also underscored the historical and religious importance of Sokoto to Nigerian Muslims, stressing the need to protect the state from insecurity and preserve its significance.

The development comes as security forces continue to intensify operations across parts of the North-West in efforts to disrupt terrorist and bandit networks, protect communities and restore lasting peace.

MURIC Withdraws Ultimatum to Defence Minister, Commends Military Operations in Sokoto