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Tinubu urges religious leaders to speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa and beyond to consistently speak out against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence.
KANO FOCUS reports that Tinubu said no genuine service to God could be advanced through the destruction of innocent human lives.
The President made the call on Sunday in Kano in a goodwill message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
Addressing the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, Islamic scholars, spiritual leaders and adherents from Nigeria and other countries, Mr Tinubu said religious leaders had a crucial responsibility to confront violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.
“Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty,” Mr Tinubu said.
He urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral development of young people.
He also called on religious leaders to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.
The President said religious leaders should remind political leaders of their responsibilities to govern with justice and compassion, while urging citizens not to turn legitimate grievances into justification for lawlessness or violence.
“Above all, our spiritual fathers must continue to teach that no genuine service to Allah is advanced by destroying the innocent human life that Allah has made sacred,” he said.
117.8m forcibly displaced globally
President Tinubu said the Maulud was being held at a critical period in global affairs, with societies facing conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy crises, violent extremism, terrorism and transnational crimes.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, he said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025.
He said the scale of the challenges facing humanity had made the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly important.
According to him, religious leaders “guard the frontiers of conscience” through their ability to heal wounds, resolve grievances and address deep-seated hatred and bitterness.
Tinubu seeks Tijjaniyya’s support
President Tinubu said the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, had significant relationships and moral influence that could be deployed towards reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian support.
He said the Federal Government recognised the important roles of religious and traditional leaders in promoting tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
He said Nigeria’s strategic position at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region meant that its peace and stability had implications beyond its borders.
“Our position means that peace in Nigeria has consequences far beyond Nigeria,” he said.
He added that religious communities with strong transnational connections, such as the Tijjaniyya, could become valuable partners in building social peace alongside governments and regional institutions.
Nigeria’s diversity is a strength
President Tinubu said the partnership between government and religious institutions should harness the ethical values of religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for the sanctity of human life.
He described Nigeria’s diversity and plurality as among the country’s greatest strengths.
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to protect freedom of worship while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.
He welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries to attend the Maulud.
He described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition had developed deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.
President Tinubu recalled receiving a high-level delegation of 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 the continued relationship between Nigeria and Algeria.
Tinubu pays tribute to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi
The President said the Maulud provided an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on and renew their commitment to the teachings of Islam, the love of Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
He highlighted humility, mercy, wisdom, service and providing comfort to others as among the virtues associated with the occasion.
President Tinubu also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a major role in organising the Maulud.
He described Sheikh Dahiru, who died in November 2025, as “a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety.”
The President said the most enduring way to honour the late Islamic scholar would be to preserve his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for society’s wellbeing.
President Tinubu commended the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, Kano State Government, scholars, traditional rulers, security and emergency services, organisers and volunteers for their contributions to the successful hosting of the event.
“Nigeria is honoured by your presence and we pray that you return to your homes safely, carrying with you the affection and hospitality of the Nigerian people,” he said.
“May Almighty Allah accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered at this Maulud.”
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Police Command has arrested eight suspects in separate operations targeting drug peddling and thuggery in Panshekara and Kunchi/Ghari Local Government Area.
KANO FOCUS reports that the command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the operations, conducted on September 9, 2026, were part of the command’s intelligence-driven efforts to tackle drug abuse, thuggery and violent crimes across the state.
It said operatives of the Surveillance Team attached to Panshekara Police Division, acting on credible intelligence at about 2:30 p.m., intercepted eight suspects, including a 21-year-old man identified as Samson Yakubu of Samegu Quarters, at a suspected criminal hotspot.
A search of the suspects reportedly led to the recovery of 15 Pregabalin capsules, five Diazepam tablets, 10 Exol tablets and some quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said the suspects were in custody and undergoing interrogation, while investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the suspected illicit drugs and identify other members of the alleged syndicate.
In a related operation conducted between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. the same day, operatives of the Kunchi/Ghari Division carried out a coordinated market patrol and raid at Matanfada Market.
The command said the area had been identified as a place where youths allegedly intimidate traders and residents during market sessions.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Abdullahi Isah of Dustin; Haruna Isah of Daqarawa Village; Habu Badamasi of Dan Taimu Village; Gambo Ya’u of Kura Village; and Abubakar Dahiru of Farau Village.
The police said investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other suspected accomplices, while exhibits recovered during the operation had been taken into custody as evidence.
CP Bakori commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and swift response, assuring residents that the command would sustain its operations against drug abuse, thuggery and other violent crimes.
“In line with the IGP’s policing vision and our mandate to ensure a safe and secure Kano, we will continue to be proactive,” the commissioner said.
“We are sending a clear message to criminal elements that Kano State will not be a breeding ground for their activities.”
The command also appreciated members of the public, community leaders and vigilante groups for providing information that aided the operations.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
The command said all suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The funeral prayer for the late Shehu Kabir Bayero, Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Dorayi, was held on Thursday evening at Kofar Kudu, Kano Emir’s Palace.
KANO FOCUS reports that the prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Khamsus Salawati Mosque, Kofar Kudu, Malam Bello, and attended by hundreds of people from different parts of Kano State.
Among those who attended were the Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk; representative of the Emir of Kano, Matawallen Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Matawalle; Chief of Staff to the Kano State Government House, Dr Sani Wali; as well as district heads and members of the Muslim community.
Shehu Kabir Bayero died in a hospital in Egypt following a period of illness. He is survived by his wives, children and other relatives.
Until his death, the late Bayero served as Commissioner of Police in Gombe and Osun states before retiring from the Nigeria Police Force.
Following his retirement, the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, appointed him as the Barde Kerarriya of Kano and District Head of Takai Local Government Area after the death of his father, the late Kabir Bayero, an elder brother of the former emir.
He later served as District Head of Gwarzo.
Due to his wealth of experience in security matters, the current Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, subsequently reassigned him as District Head of Dorayi, where he was expected to contribute to the sustenance of peace and security in the area.
The late district head was remembered for his service to the state and his experience in security and traditional administration.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, have mercy on his soul and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Ministry of Education, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has held a planning meeting on the implementation and effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) in the state.
KANO FOCUS reports that the meeting brought together relevant stakeholders from various ministries, agencies and development partners working in the education sector.
According to Malam Naziru Sirajo, deputy director EMIS and statistics in the Ministry of Education, the meeting was aimed at reviewing the current status of the Nigeria Learning Passport in Kano and developing a coordinated plan to strengthen its implementation, content utilisation, course completion, monitoring of learners’ progress and certification.
The Nigeria Learning Passport is a digital learning platform designed to provide Nigerian children and young people with access to curriculum-aligned educational content, including lessons, learning materials and assessments.
The platform is also designed to support learning continuity, including for learners facing limited or intermittent internet connectivity, while providing teachers and education stakeholders with digital resources to complement classroom instruction.
In Kano, the initiative is expected to strengthen awareness and utilisation of digital learning, while building the capacity of master trainers and technical teams to support schools, teachers and learners in using the platform effectively.
The effective utilisation of the Nigeria Learning Passport is expected to expand access to quality digital learning resources, promote independent learning, strengthen digital literacy and support improved learning outcomes and greater equity in access to educational opportunities.
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