Nigeria: Probe Promoters of Religious Extremism, Radicalisation, Group Tells FG

What the report says

The Tijaniyyah Muslim Students’ Association of Nigeria (TIMSAN) has urged the federal government to investigate what it describes as credible allegations of extremist preaching and radicalisation in Nigeria’s religious space. The call was made in a statement by the group’s pioneer national president, Assayyidi Yusuf, after a weekend conference in Abuja on security, national unity and social peace.

According to the Leadership report distributed by AllAfrica, the event was jointly organised by Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) and the Muslim World League. The conference examined terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, religious tolerance, national unity and socio-economic development. TIMSAN said participation in peace efforts should not prevent scrutiny where there are substantiated concerns, and it pressed authorities to rely on independent, evidence-based inquiries.

The group also recommended disciplinary action against preachers accused of hate speech or incitement, along with prosecution where credible evidence links individuals to violence, terrorist recruitment or support for terrorist activity. It called for a national monitoring framework on religious extremism and said legitimate religious freedom should be protected while criminal responsibility remains individual and evidence-based. TIMSAN further urged JIBWIS to consider an advisory commission on religious tolerance and violent extremism involving scholars, legal and security experts, human rights specialists and affected communities. In general, the appeal reflects wider concerns in Nigeria about how to address extremism without undermining religious liberties.