President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders across Africa to take a frontline role in confronting terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and violent extremism, warning that the misuse of religion to justify bloodshed poses a grave threat to societies across the continent.

The president made the appeal on Sunday in Kano while addressing thousands of Islamic scholars, clerics and worshippers gathered for the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, founder of the Tijjaniyya Islamic Order.

His message came on a day the Nigerian Air Force announced a major operational success against insurgents in the North-east, disclosing that a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, was among nine fighters killed during a precision airstrike in Borno State.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Mr Tinubu said religious institutions must become stronger advocates for peace and moral leadership at a time when terrorism, violent extremism and identity-based conflicts continue to destabilise many regions of Africa.

He said clerics and spiritual leaders possess enormous influence capable of shaping public attitudes and discouraging young people from embracing violence.

According to the president, faith should serve as a force for reconciliation and social harmony rather than division and conflict.

“Religious leaders must continue to speak clearly and consistently against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and every attempt to manipulate religion for destructive purposes,” he said.

He stressed that no genuine act of worship or devotion to God could be built on the killing of innocent people, adding that the sanctity of human life remains one of the central teachings of Islam and other faith traditions.

Global challenges demand moral leadership

Mr Tinubu said the gathering was taking place at a period marked by growing insecurity and humanitarian crises across the world.

From violent conflicts and terrorism to climate-related disasters, food shortages, energy crises and transnational crimes, the president said societies are increasingly facing challenges that require both political and moral responses.

He cited global displacement figures showing that millions of people have been forced from their homes due to wars, insecurity and instability, arguing that spiritual leaders have become more important than ever in promoting peace and social cohesion.

The president particularly highlighted the influence of the Tijjaniyya Order, one of Africa's largest Islamic movements, whose followers span countries across West Africa, North Africa and the Sahel.

He said the order's extensive networks and moral authority could help strengthen peacebuilding efforts, guide vulnerable youths away from extremism and support reconciliation initiatives in conflict-affected communities.

“Nigeria's peace and stability affect the wider region because of our strategic location and influence. Religious organisations with deep cross-border connections can become valuable partners in promoting social peace and strengthening communities,” he said.

The president also reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting religious freedom and deepening cooperation with religious and traditional institutions in pursuit of national unity and peaceful coexistence.

Tribute to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi

Mr Tinubu paid tribute to the late Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a key role in organising the Maulud celebration.

He described the late cleric as one of Nigeria's most respected voices of moderation, scholarship and peace whose contributions to Islamic education and moral instruction left a lasting impact on millions of followers.

Advertisement

According to the president, preserving the scholar's legacy of learning, devotion, humility and service to humanity would be the most fitting way to honour his memory.

The event drew participants from several countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Egypt, underscoring the transnational reach of the Tijjaniyya movement.

Air Force strikes ISWAP network

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said it recorded a significant breakthrough in ongoing military operations against insurgents in the North-east with the killing of Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, a key ISWAP commander believed to have played an important role in protecting senior leaders of the terrorist group.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said the operation was carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai after intelligence reports revealed suspicious terrorist activities within the Sambisa Forest.

The military said surveillance assets were deployed to monitor and track the movements of suspected fighters before a precision strike was authorised against a targeted location.

According to the statement, post-strike assessments showed extensive damage to the terrorists' hideout and confirmed the death of nine fighters, while several others sustained injuries.

Military intelligence later identified one of those killed as Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, who was reportedly responsible for coordinating security escorts and movement routes for senior ISWAP figures across insurgent strongholds in the region.

The Air Force described his death as a significant operational loss for the terrorist group, noting that he possessed extensive knowledge of strategic routes and safe corridors connecting major ISWAP enclaves.

Security officials also said some of the fighters affected by the strike were believed to have links to militants involved in a recent attack on Nigerian troops along the Bita-Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The military said the operation reflects the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led air campaigns designed to identify, track and eliminate terrorist elements before they can launch attacks or regroup.

Officials added that beyond the casualties recorded, the strike is expected to weaken ISWAP's command-and-control structure and disrupt the movement of high-value operatives within the Sambisa axis.

Military expands non-combat operations

In a separate development, the military announced the donation of educational materials to selected schools in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State as part of efforts to strengthen relations with local communities.

The intervention was carried out by Headquarters Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force under its Civil-Military Cooperation programme.

Military authorities said the initiative was designed to complement ongoing security operations by addressing community needs and supporting education in areas affected by years of insurgency.Representing the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Shehu Ahmed, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele said education remains a critical tool for building resilient communities and sustaining long-term peace.

He said the military would continue to support programmes that improve the wellbeing of residents while fostering trust and cooperation between civilians and security agencies.

Babagana Modu Kur, who received the materials on behalf of the Monguno Local Government Authority, commended the military for the gesture and pledged that the items would be distributed fairly among beneficiary schools.