Tinubu Urges African Religious Leaders to Reject Terrorism, Kidnapping

President Bola Tinubu has urged religious and spiritual leaders across Africa to intensify efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the misuse of religion to promote violence.

Tinubu made the call in Kano during the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani, where he stressed the need for religious institutions to promote peace, tolerance, moral values and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President also called for stronger collaboration between government, religious and traditional leaders in tackling extremism and youth radicalisation.

The gathering attracted Islamic scholars and spiritual leaders from Nigeria and other countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has announced the elimination of nine ISWAP fighters, including a senior commander, Abu Khalid Al Muhajir, during an air operation in the Sambisa Forest, Borno State.

The Air Force said the operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, followed credible intelligence on the movement of terrorists and was aimed at disrupting the group's leadership and operations.

In a related development, the Nigerian military and the Multinational Joint Task Force have donated educational materials to selected schools in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and support community development.

The intervention, carried out under the military's non-kinetic operations, is expected to improve learning conditions and deepen cooperation between security forces and residents in the North-East.