Nigeria: Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders to Denounce Banditry, Terrorism, Bigotry

What the report says

President Bola Tinubu used a religious gathering in Kano on 10 August 2026 to call on faith leaders across Africa to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the use of religion to excuse violence. Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, Tinubu said religious institutions have a key role in promoting peace education, tolerance, justice and responsible leadership. He also framed Nigeria’s stability as important to the wider West African and Sahel region because of the country’s location and its transnational religious and security links.

Tinubu’s message came as the federal government continued to stress cooperation with traditional and religious authorities in efforts to counter extremism and social division. He urged clerics to help guide young people, counter misinformation and discourage grievances from turning into violence. The president also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whom he described as a major figure in Islamic scholarship and moderation.

On the security front, the Nigerian Air Force said its Air Component under Operation Hadin Kai carried out a precision strike in Borno State that killed an ISWAP commander, Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, and eight other fighters. The force said the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance in the Sambisa Forest area. The reported strike highlights the continuing military campaign against Islamist insurgents in north-east Nigeria, where armed groups have remained active despite years of operations by security forces.