President Bola Tinubu has urged religious leaders to intensify efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to promote violence, saying no genuine act of worship can justify the destruction of innocent lives.

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, Sen. George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.

Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President said religious institutions had a crucial role to play in addressing violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith.

He urged clerics to consistently speak against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the killing of innocent people, while promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

“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.

The President also called on religious institutions and networks to strengthen peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and moral instruction for young people.

He urged religious leaders to encourage political authorities to uphold justice, responsibility and compassion, while teaching citizens that genuine grievances could not be used as justification for lawlessness or violence.

Tinubu said religious leaders should emphasise that the sanctity of human life remained fundamental to genuine service to God.

The President said the call had become more urgent amid armed conflicts, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime, climate-related challenges and food and energy crises affecting societies globally.

He cited data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which estimated that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by the end of 2025.

According to him, the scale of global displacement underscored the need for religious and community leaders to use their influence to promote peace and address the roots of conflict.

Tinubu described religious leaders as guardians of society’s conscience, saying they had the capacity to mediate disputes, heal divisions and prevent cycles of hatred and resentment.

He specifically highlighted the international reach of the Tijjaniyya community across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world.

The President said the group’s extensive spiritual networks could be used to support reconciliation, counter violent extremism, guide young people and promote humanitarian initiatives, particularly across the Sahel and West Africa.

He said the Federal Government recognised the contributions of religious and traditional institutions to grassroots peacebuilding, combating misinformation, reducing identity-based divisions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Tinubu also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.

He said Nigeria’s strategic location linking West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region made the country’s stability important to neighbouring countries and the broader region.

“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” the President said.

He added that religious communities with strong cross-border networks, including the Tijjaniyya, could complement government and regional efforts to establish sustainable peace.

Tinubu urged such collaboration to draw on values including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for human life.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom, describing Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity as one of the country’s major strengths.

The President assured religious and traditional institutions that his administration would continue to work with them to strengthen national unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Welcoming the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order and delegates from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries, Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya tradition had developed strong roots in Nigeria through scholarship, spiritual devotion, moral instruction and community service.

He recalled receiving a delegation from the Supreme Council of Tijjaniyya at the State House in Abuja, where prayers were offered for Nigeria’s peace, unity and prosperity, as well as stronger relations between Nigeria and Algeria.

Tinubu described the Maulud as an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal and a time to recommit to the teachings of Islam and the legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.

He said the occasion should encourage humility, mercy, wisdom, service and compassion towards others.

The President also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a major role in organising the event.

He said the absence of the Islamic scholar, who died in November 2025, was deeply felt by participants.

Tinubu recalled describing the late cleric as a teacher, father and advocate of moderation, reason, peace and piety.

He said the best way to honour Sheikh Dahiru’s memory was to preserve his contributions to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion, peaceful coexistence and the welfare of society.

The President commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, Kano State Government, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, security agencies, emergency responders, organisers and volunteers for their roles in the Maulud.

He expressed appreciation to the visiting delegates and prayed for their safe return home, saying their presence further strengthened the bonds between Nigeria and the wider Tijjaniyya community.