President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders in Nigeria, Africa and beyond to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.

The President said genuine religious service could never be advanced through 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, Senator George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, RTA.

Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, the President called on religious institutions to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.

“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.

He urged religious institutions and their networks to play a stronger role in promoting peace and nurturing responsible young people.

The President also called on clerics to remind political leaders of their responsibilities to govern with justice and compassion, while encouraging citizens to pursue legitimate grievances through lawful means.

He stressed that religious beliefs should never be used to justify violence or the destruction of innocent lives.

Tinubu said the gathering came at a critical time, as societies around the world grapple with conflicts, uncertainty, climate, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime and the manipulation of religious and ethnic identities.

Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the President said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, underscoring the urgent need for spiritual leaders to help heal wounds, resolve grievances and combat hatred.

He said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, could play a significant role in reconciliation, countering violent extremism, guiding young people and providing humanitarian support.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, economic integration and dialogue, stressing that the country’s stability has implications beyond its borders.

“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria. It also means that religious communities with deep transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, can be valuable partners in building an architecture of social peace that complements the work of governments and regional institutions,” he said.