KANO, Nigeria — Nigeria‘s President, Bola Tinubu, called on religious and spiritual leaders to consistently raise their voices against terrorism, kidnapping, and the misuse of faith to justify violence during a gathering on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Golden Info reports that Bola Tinubu delivered this message through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA. The President addressed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, alongside scholars and adherents from several nations, directing them to confront the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” Tinubu said. He instructed institutions to strengthen their advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, and the moral formation of young people, while reminding political leaders to act with justice and compassion.
Citing a report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the President noted that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025. He stated that the Tijjaniyya community’s extensive networks across West Africa and North Africa possess moral capital that can be deployed to counter violent extremism and offer humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel.
The Federal Government of Nigeria recognises the critical roles of religious leaders in countering misinformation and strengthening grassroots peacebuilding, Tinubu said. He noted that guests travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt for the event, affirming the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.
Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation helped organise the gathering. The President noted the Islamic scholar’s death in November 2025, describing him as a teacher, a father, and an advocate of peace.