President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
The President urged religious institutions and networks to promote peace education, religious knowledge, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
He said religious leaders had an important role to play in fighting violence, extremism and the misuse of religion to justify harmful acts.
Tinubu also urged them to use their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful ways of resolving grievances.
He said, “Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty.
“Your institutions and networks must become stronger in the advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the formation of upright young men and women.
“You must also remind political leaders of justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances must never become permission for lawlessness or violence.
“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred.”
The President said the event was taking place at a time when countries around the world were dealing with conflicts, uncertainty, climate and food crises, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and the misuse of identity and religion.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced around the world at the end of 2025.
He said the challenges facing the world had made the role of spiritual leaders increasingly important.
According to him, spiritual leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” because of their ability to heal wounds, resolve grievances and address deep-rooted hatred and bitterness.
Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, which has strong spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, could use its influence to promote reconciliation, fight violent extremism, guide young people and provide humanitarian support.
He said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, fighting misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening peacebuilding at the grassroots and encouraging peaceful coexistence.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He said Nigeria’s strategic location between West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region made peace and stability in the country important to other countries in the region.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.
Tinubu said such partnerships should promote truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.
