KANO, Nigeria – Nigeria‘s President Bola Tinubu called on religious and spiritual leaders to consistently raise their voices against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and the misuse of religion to justify violence on Sunday, August 9, 2026. Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, and spiritual leaders from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt, Tinubu stated that religious leaders have an important responsibility in confronting extremism and the manipulation of faith. 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,” Tinubu said. “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. He stated that the Federal Government recognises the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation, and promoting peaceful coexistence.