Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders To Denounce Terrorism, Banditry And Misuse Of Religion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on religious leaders across the country to take a firm, united stand against terrorism, banditry, and the exploitation of faith for political or criminal gains.

Speaking during a high-level meeting with traditional and faith-based leaders, the President emphasized that faith leaders hold the strongest moral authority to counter extremist narratives and prevent the misuse of religious doctrines.

“Religion Must Build, Not Destroy” — Key Highlights

President Tinubu stressed that security challenges cannot be tackled by military action alone, highlighting the vital role of grassroots moral leadership in tackling bad governance, violence, and fanaticism.

“Our faith traditions teach peace, justice, and compassion. When individuals twist religious teachings to justify violence or banditry, leaders of faith must speak out swiftly and decisively. Silence in the face of extremism is dangerous.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The President outlined several critical areas where faith-based and community leaders must take active responsibility:

• Countering Extremist Doctrines: Actively exposing and rejecting false teachings that justify banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks against innocent citizens.
• Fostering Inter-Faith Dialogue: Strengthening trust between Muslim and Christian communities to prevent local disputes from escalating into communal or religious clashes.
• Guiding the Youth: Engaging young Nigerians through community outreach to prevent them from being recruited into criminal gangs or violent movements.
• Supporting Security Initiatives: Encouraging local intelligence gathering and community policing efforts to root out bandits operating within rural communities.

Why Civil & Religious Leadership Is Crucial

Security analysts agree that military intervention can clear criminal hideouts, but long-term peace requires disarming violent ideologies. By urging religious leaders to lead the moral campaign against extremism, the administration seeks to isolate criminal groups from receiving local support or ideological protection.

As Nigeria continues to confront multifaceted security challenges, unity between the government, security agencies, and moral custodians remains essential to restoring stability across affected regions.