Tinubu Urges Religious Leaders to Denounce Banditry, Terrorism, Bigotry 

NAF air strike kills ISWAP commander, 8 other extremists in Borno 

Military donates educational materials to schools

Olawale Ajimotokan and Linus Aleke in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu yesterday appealed to religious and spiritual leaders across Africa to speak against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify violence and cruelty.

He made the charge yesterday in Kano in his goodwill message at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.

Also, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday revealed that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North-east, Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated a key ISWAP Commander, Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, and eight other extremist fighters during a coordinated air interdiction operation in Borno State.

The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume in his address at the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, said religious leaders have an important responsibility in confronting violence, extremism and the manipulation of faith for destructive purposes.

He stated that no genuine service to God can be advanced through the destruction of innocent human life.

Tinubu urged religious institutions and networks to strengthen their advocacy for peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral formation of young people, while using their influence to promote justice, responsibility, compassion and peaceful resolution of grievances.

He said the federal government recognised the critical roles of religious and traditional leaders in deepening tolerance, countering misinformation and identity-based division, strengthening grassroots peacebuilding and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Tinubu said: “Your voices must be raised consistently against the murder of innocent people, against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to justify cruelty. 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.

“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. 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 described the gathering as timely, noting it was held at a time when societies across the world were confronted by conflicts, uncertainty, climate shocks, food and energy shocks, violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crimes and increasingly dangerous manipulation of identity and religion.

The President, who referenced a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report that 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide at the end of 2025, said that the scale of global challenges makes the intervention of spiritual leaders increasingly indispensable.

He emphasised that the Tijjaniyya community, with its extensive spiritual networks across West Africa, North Africa and beyond, possessed relationships and moral capital that could be deployed for reconciliation, countering violent extremism, youth guidance and humanitarian solidarity across the Sahel, West Africa and the wider world.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue, noting that the country’s strategic location at the intersection of West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic world makes its peace and stability consequential to the wider region.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He asserted that such partnership should mobilise the ethical resources of religion, including truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and the sanctity of human life, for the common good.

Tinubu assured that the federal government would continue to uphold the freedom of Nigerians to practise their faith while strengthening collaboration with religious and traditional institutions to promote peace, mutual respect and national cohesion.

The World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order had in attendance scholars, spiritual leaders and other guests who travelled from Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt and other countries for the Maulud.

Tinubu described Nigeria as a country where the Tijjaniyya tradition has established deep roots in scholarship, remembrance, service, moral instruction and peaceful community life.

He said the recent Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya held in Abuja, offered adherents an opportunity for reflection, renewal and recommitment to the teachings of Islam, the love of Prophet Muhammad and the spiritual legacy of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, particularly the virtues of humility, mercy, wisdom, service and giving comfort to others.

The President also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose foundation played a significant role in organising the Maulud, describing him as a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason, and as an advocate of peace and piety. 

He said the late Islamic scholar was one of the towering figures whose absence was deeply felt at the gathering.

He also assured that the most enduring monument that could be built in honour of the Sheikh would be the preservation of his legacy of Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, devotion to Allah, respect for learning, peaceful coexistence and concern for the wellbeing of society.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to the Supreme Council of the Tijjaniyya, the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, the Government and people of Kano State, 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. May Almighty Allah accept the prayers and acts of devotion offered at this Maulud,” the President said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday revealed that the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, eliminated a key ISWAP Commander, Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, and eight other extremist fighters during a coordinated air interdiction operation in Borno State.

The Service said those killed were reportedly responsible for facilitating the movement and protection of high-value members of the group.

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the successful operation was conducted following credible intelligence on the activities and movements of suspected terrorists within the Sambisa Forest area.

“Acting on the intelligence, the NAF deployed a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) to conduct persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling the identification and tracking of a group of terrorists as they moved towards a suspected hideout. Following the positive identification and confirmation of the target, the NAF aircraft conducted a precision engagement on the location.

“Subsequent battle damage assessment indicated significant effects on the targeted compound, with several terrorists neutralised. Further intelligence received after the strike confirmed that nine ISWAP fighters were killed, while several others were wounded.

“ Among those reportedly neutralised was Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, described as a prominent ISWAP commander responsible for providing special security escorts for the movement of senior members of the terrorist group,” the statement said.

Ejodame said the commander’s elimination represented a significant operational setback for ISWAP, particularly given his reported knowledge of the routes, terrain and tactical movements connecting major terrorist enclaves within the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

He said: “Intelligence further indicated that some of the terrorists affected by the strike were assessed to be linked to elements suspected to have been involved in the recent ambush of Nigerian troops along the Bita–Yamtage axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. 

“The latest success underscores the growing effectiveness of the NAF’s intelligence-driven air operations, particularly the integration of persistent ISR and precision-strike capabilities to detect, track and neutralise terrorist elements before they can regroup or threaten friendly forces and vulnerable communities. 

“Beyond the immediate casualties, the operation is expected to disrupt ISWAP’s leadership protection arrangements, the movement of high-value personnel and the coordination of activities across its enclaves.”

Also, the Nigerian military in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), has elevated non-kinetic operations to greater heights by donating educational materials to selected schools in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State.

 The initiative, undertaken as part of the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, is aimed at supporting education, strengthening community resilience and deepening the existing partnership between the military and the civilian populace.

According to a statement by the Acting Military Information Officer of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Headquarters Sector 3, Operation Hadin Kai/Multinational Joint Task Force (OPHK/MNJTF), made the donation on  August 8, 2026.

Goni said the intervention formed part of the Sector’s non-kinetic efforts to complement ongoing military operations with initiatives that address identified community needs and promote mutual trust, confidence and cooperation within its area of responsibility.

Presenting the materials, the Sector Commander, Brigadier General Shehu Ahmed, represented by the Commander, Sector 3 Garrison, Brigadier General Ikechukwu Ogundele, reaffirmed the Sector’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute positively to the wellbeing of communities.

He noted that education remained fundamental to sustainable development and community resilience, stressing that the military would continue to support people-oriented initiatives that contribute to peace and stability.

Ogundele further averred that the donation demonstrated the Sector’s commitment to strengthening civil-military cooperation through meaningful engagement with host communities.

He added that such interventions complemented kinetic operations by fostering greater understanding, trust and cooperation between the military and the people, which are essential to sustaining peace and security in the North-East.

Receiving the materials on behalf of the Monguno Local Government Authority, Mr Babagana Modu Kur expressed appreciation to Headquarters Sector 3 OPHK/MNJTF for the intervention.

He commended the Sector for supporting the educational development of the community and assured that the materials would be distributed equitably among the beneficiary schools for maximum impact.