ECOWAS Calls on Islamic Scholars to Bring Up Workable Arrangements to Tackle Extremism, Terrorism in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Islamic scholars to devise a workable arrangement to tackle extremism and fight back terrorism in the West African subregion.

Speaking at the West African Islamic Conference on Security & Governance, on Thursday in Abuja, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said terrorism and violent extremism are threats to the sub-region’s peace and development.

Touray promised to support the modernisation of the Quranic educational system in the subregion, while praising Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu for his plan to return out of school children back to school..

He stressed the need to protect the schools, students and teachers, with the ultimate aim of ending the phenomena of street-begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of the Quranic schools’ goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremism and terrorist groups.

Touray said: “This gathering is a demonstration of our continued commitment to the pursuit of peace and security in West African. In the last decade, terrorism and violent extremism have exerted a huge toll on the socio-economic well-being of our people. West Africa and Israel have become the front lines of the global fight against terrorism. The 2025 Global Terrorism Index report reveals a significant shift in global terrorism patterns, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorism. The Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism. For us now, we have emphasized the application of non-kinetic and kinetic strategies in tackling the menace.

“Our Regional Action Plan Against Terrorism outlines a series of initiatives in this regard. This plan provides roles for multiple actors from both state and non-state institutions.

“Therefore, this conference, which examines the role of Islamic organisations in countering terrorism and violent extremism, fits squarely with the regional non-kinetic initiatives.

“Terrorism and violent extremism are a threat to our communities. We must therefore work both to prevent extremism and tackle terrorism, wherever it occurs. In a region with a youthful population, it is important to pay attention to the situation of these youths and support them to channel their energies to positive activities.

“The situation of the traditional Quranic schools, known as the Tsangaya in Nigeria, Makaranta in Ghana, the Daraa in the Semigandian area, is the focus of our Preventive Action Against Radicalization and Violent Extremism in this country.

“The condition of these youths in our region is one that demands our urgent attention.

“We need to improve and modernize the school system and convert them into conducive and formalized centers of learning and economic empowerment.

“These schools accommodate millions of young people in the region, but they are not given the attention they require. The situation makes both the teachers and their students vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations, including terrorist groups.We cannot therefore ignore these important institutions and democracies.

“We are therefore pleased to see that the custodians of these traditional Quranic schools have come forward to take the lead in their modernization across West Africa and the Sahara. ECOWAS invites all stakeholders here and elsewhere to support this initiative led by the Jamiat Ansari Fideli at Tijaniyya.In supporting the initiatives of our religious organizations, we are also complementing the efforts of our national government and regional organizations.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu who has established the National Commission for Alimajiri and Arab School Children Education to support the provision of quality religious and non-religious education. He also commended Ghana and Senegal for their various policies to address situations.

“The goal is to better supervise and calibrate children, eradicate forced begging, and support educational structures that need to be established,” he added.

Besides the government initiatives, there are others led by foundations and non-governmental organisations.

He also assured that “Together with the UN and other stakeholders, we will, inshallah, work with governments and other stakeholders to build on the outcome of this conference by implementing joint projects for the modernization of the traditional Quranic schools.Protecting these schools, their students and teachers, will end the phenomena of street begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of the Quranic school goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremism and terrorist groups.

“Excellencies, let us spare no effort to secure West Africa and the Sahel from insecurity and reverse the negative indices for a stable, peaceful, united, and prosperous Africa…”

The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Mohammed II charged scholars to help create peace and harmony within the sub-region.

He said: “Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our children and our community.

“In closing, I would like to say that this conference is not the end, but the beginning. It is a step towards a new era of cooperation and collaboration in West Africa and the South. Let us remain committed to our shared goals, and work together to create a region of peace, stability, and prosperity for all.”

Some of the resolutions of the conference include: Participants advocating for reforms that blend Islamic and formal education, improved funding, teacher training, and policy inclusion to restore the system’s relevance; calling for collaborative efforts among government, religious leaders, and stakeholders to modernize and sustain the Almajiri system.

They agreed on the need for collaboration between government, scholars, and security agencies to strengthen counter-terrorism education, promote interfaith dialogue, and enhance social inclusion, adding that empowering Islamic leadership is essential for sustainable peace, national security, and community resilience against terrorism.

They called for structured peace education, collaboration with government, civil society and capacity building for Imams in mediation and dialogue; and advocate that Islamic organisations remain critical partners in fostering social harmony, preventing violence, and sustaining peace across diverse communities.

They call for multi-sectoral collaboration among government, religious institutions, and civil society to promote youth empowerment, civic engagement and social justice; and insisted that radicalisation requires holistic, sustainable interventions that tackle inequality and restore trust between citizens and the state.

They called on government to support, community involvement and policy inclusion to restore dignity and purpose to Almajiri education; affirming that education reform is key to empowerment, productivity and national development.

They called for strengthening grassroots structures, including youth groups, women’s associations, and religious councils, to lead awareness, dialogue, and early-warning efforts, also calling for comprehensive reforms integrating Islamic and Western curricula, skill acquisition, and digital literacy to prepare learners for modern opportunities.

They said there is need for government and development partners to support community-based peacebuilding with funding, training, and policy inclusion, and the need for empowering communities as active agents of security fosters resilience, social cohesion, and long-term stability in the fight against violent extremism.

They agreed that terrorists are indifference to what faith anybody belongs and as a result both Muslims and Christians everywhere, particularly Nigeria, are victims of their violent inclined approach.

They noted and appreciated the establishment of the commission on the Almajiri traditional system and the recognision of the teachers therein as such; and called on Muslims and Christians to continue to genuinely cooperate and understand themselves in order to frustrate the attempts of the successes of negative interests and pitching them against each other.

ECOWAS Calls on Islamic Scholars to Bring Up Workable Arrangements to Tackle Extremism, Terrorism in West Africa

FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with UN Women, is partnering with traditional leaders across the FCT to eliminate gender-based violence and promote safer communities for women and girls.

At a high-level sensitization workshop held in Abuja, influential traditional rulers from across the territory gathered to strengthen grassroots action, reshape harmful cultural norms, and reinforce community-driven accountability in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

The initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation, is part of a wider national effort where traditional leaders are playing a pivotal role in promoting gender equality and protecting women’s rights. Through dialogue, advocacy, and local policy reform, the collaboration aims to end practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and other forms of abuse.

In her keynote address, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, stressed that gender-based violence (GBV) is not only a moral and social crisis but also an economic one. She explained that violence against women has measurable financial costs, reducing national productivity and growth.

“Gender-based violence is not just a social issue. It’s not just a medical or personal issue. Statistics show that GBV is an economic problem one that reduces a country’s GDP by as much as 2%, costing nations billions of naira every year. It affects men, women, and entire communities, limiting our collective ability to prosper.”

Eyong illustrated how the long-term impact of GBV goes beyond physical or emotional harm, deepening poverty by preventing millions of women from contributing meaningfully to society and the economy.

“Gender-based violence perpetuates poverty and reduces people’s capacity to produce. Imagine 30 million Nigerian women unable to reach their potential because of fear and harm that’s billions lost to our economy each year. Every time a woman is silenced, beaten, or denied opportunity, the nation loses talent, creativity, and productivity.”

She spoke passionately about how denying girls education through early marriage or harmful traditional practices creates lifelong barriers to empowerment, prosperity, and equality.

“Imagine a young girl who, at 15, is taken out of school to be married off. That single act shifts her entire life into poverty because she never got the chance to learn a trade or complete her education. When girls are denied knowledge and opportunity, they are denied power. Educating a girl means equipping a future mother, leader, and nation builder it’s the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of gender-based violence.”

Eyong emphasized that the involvement of traditional rulers is critical to ending GBV, as they hold moral authority and deep cultural influence. She pointed to examples across Nigeria where royal fathers have led transformative campaigns against harmful practices.

“Traditional rulers are not only custodians of culture but also moral compasses and agents of transformation. Across Nigeria, we have seen royal fathers lead the charge against practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation, and widowhood rites. When traditional institutions speak, communities listen and that power can be used to protect women, empower girls, and inspire a generation of change-makers.”

In closing, Eyong issued a heartfelt call for unity among government, traditional leaders, and communities to create a future where every woman and girl can live without fear.

“This session is not just a meeting; it is a movement a movement to reimagine leadership, to protect our daughters, and to preserve the integrity of our communities. The commitments made here will spark community dialogues across the FCT and beyond. Together traditional rulers, women leaders, youth, and partners we can end gender-based violence, one declaration, one action, and one community at a time.”

Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS), Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi began her address by emphasizing that the workshop is not just a formal gathering but a rallying movement for change a collective call to action bringing together traditional leaders, policymakers, and community influencers to end GBV and protect women across all FCT communities.

“Today’s gathering is more than a meeting. It is a movement of conscience and collaboration a shared commitment to end the scourge of gender-based violence and to build communities where women and girls live, learn, and thrive without fear.”

She highlighted the indispensable role of traditional rulers in influencing social behavior and shaping moral values. According to her, royal fathers are not just custodians of tradition but powerful agents whose authority reaches places where government policy often cannot.

“Our traditional leaders remain the heartbeat of our cultural identity, the moral custodians of our communities. Your wisdom, influence, and authority reach where government policy cannot into the hearts, homes, and history of our people.”

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi urged traditional rulers to use their authority and influence to lead the transformation from within by turning culture into a force for protection rather than harm. She said the conversation with traditional institutions will help craft homegrown strategies for ending GBV.

She added that: “Through the culture of the royal monarchy, we will have colours that make our GBV action not only shine but show and tell a story that is not just local but global. The strategies we create here today will translate influence into impact and tradition into transformation making every chiefdom in the FCT a zero-tolerance zone for gender-based violence.”

She appealed for a societal mindset shift — from silence to solidarity, from stigma to support and reaffirmed that ending GBV requires collective action by leaders, communities, and citizens alike.

“Beyond structures and policies, we need a change of mindset. Let this workshop ignite a new spirit where silence is replaced by solidarity, where stigma gives way to support, and where culture becomes a catalyst for compassion, not a cover for harmful practices. The protection of women is not just a woman’s issue it is a humanity issue.”

Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat (ACSS), Hon. Bitrus Garki commended the workshop’s focus on traditional rulers, noting that their participation was significant because they play a crucial role in addressing issues affecting communities at the grassroots level.

He said: “This workshop for traditional rulers has come at the right time because issues of this nature have always been part of their responsibilities in the palaces. It is rare to have such an assembly of royal fathers, and their presence here shows how important this fight against gender-based violence is to them and their communities.”

He assured participants and development partners that the traditional rulers present would take the message of the workshop back to their respective communities, ensuring that the fight against GBV reaches the grassroots and achieves real, lasting impact.

“I want to assure you that the message from today’s workshop will reach the grassroots. Once that happens, the aim has been achieved. Our royal fathers will amplify this message in their palaces and communities, helping us move toward the total eradication of gender-based violence across the FCT.”

His Royal Highness Haruna Tanko Jibrin, Gomo of Kuje, representing the Ona of Abaji, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, expressed the commitment of traditional rulers to championing the cause.

He said: “I am delighted to be part of this important workshop on an issue that deeply affects our communities. We appreciate the FCTA and UN Women for organizing this engagement for traditional rulers in the FCT. We stand firmly in support of efforts to end gender-based violence in the FCT and across Nigeria. We will continue to work and speak out until GBV is completely eliminated.”

His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, Chairman, Council of Chiefs, Kwali Area Council, narrated a distressing case of child molestation involving a young child, Chibuke, who was abused by a perpetrator, Abbas. The case was initially reported to the police, and while the suspect was released, authorities and community leaders ensured continued follow-up. The matter was then reported to the local government council, which provided support to the child and her mother. Persistent advocacy and intervention from the council and traditional leaders eventually ensured that justice was served, sending a strong message that GBV will not be tolerated in the community.

He stressed that the council and chiefdoms are actively working to eradicate physical and sexual violence in their communities, highlighting the ongoing efforts to build a culture of reporting, awareness, and collective action against GBV.

“Our commitment is clear. We support the fight against gender-based violence. In my chiefdom, we have totally dealt with it
it never existed here. We are working to ensure that such harmful practices do not interfere with the safety and wellbeing of our communities.”

He emphasized the importance of concerted efforts among traditional rulers and communities to prevent new cases of violence and encourage a culture of reporting and response.

“We are all working together to ensure we do not have new cases of gender-based violence. We are building a culture of reporting, response, and awareness so that families and cultural lineages understand that such harmful practices have no place in our communities.”

FCTA, UN Women, and Traditional Rulers Unite to End Gender-Based Violence

Trump’s Military Action: US Military Reportedly Drafts Offensive Airstrike Plans for Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The United States military has reportedly drafted contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria, following an order from President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in response to alleged attacks on Christians by terrorist groups in northern Nigeria. 

ABC NEWS learned that the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has presented several operational strategies to the Department of War after Secretary Pete Hegseth requested detailed plans consistent with President Trump’s directives.

It was gathered that the proposal presented to the Department of War was classified into three levels of engagement—“heavy,” “medium,” and “light.”

Reports stated that under the “heavy option,” Washington would deploy an aircraft carrier strike group to the Gulf of Guinea, supported by fighter jets and long-range bombers, to conduct precision strikes on insurgent targets in northern Nigeria.

The “medium option” involves the use of MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator drones for targeted attacks on insurgent camps, logistics hubs, and vehicles. 

The plan relies heavily on U.S. intelligence coordination to ensure “precise and timely” operations.

Meanwhile, the “light option” focuses on intelligence sharing, logistics support, and joint operations with Nigerian security forces against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other extremist factions responsible for mass killings and abductions.

However, top Pentagon officials reportedly warned that limited drone strikes or air operations alone would be insufficient to end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency without a large-scale campaign.

The report follows President Trump’s earlier threat to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians continues. 

The Bola Tinubu administration has rejected Trump’s claim, describing it as inaccurate and misleading.

In a related development, China declared its support for Nigeria on Tuesday, opposing what it described as “foreign interference under the guise of religion or human rights.”

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other nations’ internal affairs.”

said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the U.S. religious freedom designation, stressing that the country’s challenges stem from terrorism, not religion.

“The government disputes claims of targeted religious persecution. Since 2023, President Tinubu’s administration has neutralized over 13,500 militants and rescued more than 11,000 hostages,” Idris said.

“Nigeria remains open to U.S. collaboration on counterterrorism while emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty.”

On Wednesday evening, President Trump reiterated his warning, saying:

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities continue. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”

The situation has further strained U.S.–Nigeria diplomatic relations, fueling debate in Washington over whether the United States should take military action in defense of religious groups abroad.

Trump’s Military Action: US Military Reportedly Drafts Offensive Airstrike Plans for Nigerian