The monarch said Christians and Muslims have coexisted
peacefully for centuries in the North, adding that reports suggesting otherwise
are deliberate attempts to create tension and disunity among the people.

“From time immemorial, Christians and Muslims have lived as
brothers in the North. These allegations are false and are merely aimed at
sowing discord among the inseparable faithful,” he stated.

Speaking at the meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers
Council held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, the Sultan commended the Nigerian
Army for its sustained efforts in tackling banditry and insurgency across the
northern region and the country at large.

He reaffirmed the traditional rulers’ support for the
military and the Federal Government in their continued fight against
insecurity.

“Without the military, we wouldn’t be here holding this
meeting comfortably. Therefore, we must encourage them to do more,” he said.

The Sultan also expressed concern over the reckless use of
social media, urging the Federal Government to take steps to regulate its use.
He revealed that he had personally been a victim of misinformation circulated
online.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher
Musa, in his keynote address, called on traditional rulers to deepen community
engagement in support of the military’s operations against insurgents and
bandits.

“The days of bandits and insurgents in the Northeast,
Northwest, and across the country are numbered. We will defeat them — they will
not defeat us,” he declared.

General Musa stressed that the fight against insecurity
requires collective effort, noting that traditional institutions play a crucial
role in restoring peace and stability.

Declaring the meeting open, the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr.
Nasir Idris, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of
traditional rulers and support for the armed forces.

He debunked reports that the state government had hired an
international security organization to combat banditry.

“We did not hire any international company or organization
to fight banditry in Kebbi. Instead, we have supported the military through
donations of operational vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics to aid their
operations,” he said.

Prominent royal fathers at the meeting included the Sultan
of Sokoto, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Illiyasu Bashar; the Shehu of Borno,
Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; and other emirs from the 19 northern
states.