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WANEP Hosts National Briefing on Rising Concerns of Religious Radicalism•Highlights risks of unregulated Madrassas in Nigeria

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WANEP Hosts National Briefing on Rising Concerns of Religious Radicalism
•Highlights risks of unregulated Madrassas in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), under the EU-supported Research and Action for Peace (REcAP) program, hosted a national deliberative briefing to present key findings from two studies exploring the ideological, cultural, and security implications of madrassas in both Northern and Southwestern Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement made available on Monday by Mr Emmanuel Ami-Okhani, the representative of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) in Nigeria.

The session was attended by policymakers, researchers, civil society actors, and security stakeholders, focused on understanding how religious education intersects with radical ideologies, external funding, and youth identity in Nigeria.

The REcAP project, implemented by WANEP in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), aims to strengthen the role of civil society and research in shaping effective responses to conflict, violent extremism, and peacebuilding across West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.

One of the working paper presentations of a major study titled “Madrasas, Charities and Religious Radicalism in Northern Nigeria: A Study of the Almajiri System,” authored by Prof. Freedom Onuoha, Dr Saheed Babajide Owonikoko, and Dr Chukwuma Okoli, explored the theological foundations and operational structures of the Almajiri system, particularly in Abuja, Kano, and Borno states, regions selected for their population size, security relevance, and Islamic education presence.

The research highlighted that the Almajiri system, rooted in the Arabic term al-muhajirun (meaning “to migrate for knowledge”), has historically served as a respected Islamic education platform but has since suffered neglect, a lack of regulation, and infiltration by unverified foreign actors.

According to Owonikoko, who presented the paper, the study found evidence of informal funding from foreign religious charities, mainly from the Middle East. Still, it warned that such support is largely undocumented, making it difficult to monitor for extremist influence.

He disclosed that, based on interviews conducted with school custodians, scholars, former Almajiri students, and security agents, a key concern is the lack of transparency surrounding financial donations and the ideological content introduced by some foreign-linked clerics.

He cited historical and contemporary cases where charities from countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran supported specific sectarian ideologies within Almajiri schools. However, direct links between this support and actual radicalisation remain hard to legally establish due to the clandestine nature of donations.

Owonikoko noted during the presentation that “most Almajiri schools are not documented or supervised, making them vulnerable to ideological manipulation through informal funding channels.”

“While the majority of Almajiri students are peaceful and focused on Quranic education, the lack of structure creates loopholes that can be exploited by extremist elements.”

A second study titled “Madrassas and Islamic Extremism among Teenage Muslim Students in Southwestern Nigeria” was presented by Dr Busari Dauda of the University of Ilorin. Co-authored with Dr Alatise Remi Kasalla from Osogbo, provided an empirical view of how madrassas are shaping youth religious identity in the South-West amidst growing ideological influences from the Middle East.

Unlike the Northern context, madrassas in Ilorin, Ibadan, and Osogbo were found to be more structured, often registered with education ministries and integrated into Yoruba Islamic cultural life, Dr Dauda revealed.

However, the study noted that sectarian interests and prestige-seeking among madrassa founders contribute to the proliferation of ideologically driven schools. Economic motivations and cultural acceptance also play significant roles in their expansion.

Dauda, during his presentation, stressed that, while the study found no widespread evidence of violent radicalisation, it did highlight growing perceptions of global injustice among teenage students, particularly around issues like the Palestinian conflict and Western treatment of Muslims.

He said, these sentiments, amplified by digital media and foreign ideological narratives, shape how young Muslims interpret their religious and social identity.

Dauda emphasised that “extremism is not part of the curriculum, but ideological influences can filter in through sect-based teachings and global narratives of Muslim victimhood.”

WANEP Hosts National Briefing on Rising Concerns of Religious Radicalism
•Highlights risks of unregulated Madrassas in Nigeria

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Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

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Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

By Zagazola Makama

The Chadian General Staff has accused the warring parties in Sudan of violating Chad’s territorial integrity after aircraft and drones allegedly pursued and bombarded a convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026, near Chad’s common border with Sudan, particularly around the Mourdi Department in the Ennedi-Est Province.

In a communiqué issued to the national and international public, the Chadian General Staff said aerial and ground assessments conducted throughout Friday, August 21, confirmed that the fighting in Sudan had once again spilled into Chadian territory.

According to the military authorities, aircraft and drones identified as belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and/or forces supporting them were involved in the pursuit of a convoy.

The Chadian military said the operation initially took place on Sudanese territory but subsequently extended deep into Chad, with the convoy reportedly pursued and bombarded more than 100 kilometres inside Chadian territory.

The military authorities did not provide details on the identity of the convoy, the nature of its cargo, or the circumstances that led to the pursuit across the border.

However, the Chadian General Staff described the incident as a fresh violation of the country’s territorial integrity and warned all parties involved in the Sudan conflict against attempting to extend the war into Chad.

“Although no Chadian casualties have been recorded to date,” the military said, it strongly condemned what it described as the latest violation of Chad’s territorial integrity.

The General Staff issued a stern warning to the Sudanese belligerents, saying continued attempts to expand the Sudanese conflict into Chadian territory could have serious consequences.

It described such actions as a “suicidal risk” for those seeking to bring the Sudanese war onto Chadian soil.

The latest incident comes amid the continuing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which has increasingly generated security concerns for neighbouring countries.

Chad shares a long and porous border with Sudan, particularly along its eastern frontier, where the security situation has remained fragile due to the movement of armed groups, refugees, weapons and combatants fleeing the Sudanese conflict.

The Chadian military said its defence and security forces remain on the highest level of alert to prevent further violations and protect the country’s population.

It further assured citizens that the security forces are prepared to respond forcefully to any threat capable of undermining the peace and security of the Chadian people.

The statement did not indicate whether Chad had identified the specific aircraft or drones involved through direct visual confirmation, radar data or other intelligence means, but said assessments conducted through aerial and physical means established that the operation had crossed into Chadian territory.

The development raises concerns over the potential regionalisation of the Sudan conflict, particularly as fighting and military operations continue to take place close to Sudan’s borders with Chad and other neighbouring countries.

For Chad, the alleged incursion represents a particularly sensitive security issue given the country’s proximity to the conflict and the potential for cross-border military operations to trigger a broader confrontation.

The Chadian authorities have therefore placed their forces on heightened alert while warning the Sudanese belligerents that further violations of its territory could provoke an energetic response.

The Chadian General Staff stressed that its priority remains the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens amid the continuing instability along its eastern border.

Chad Accuses Sudanese Forces of Crossing Border, Bombing Convoy Deep Inside Chadian Territory

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Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

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Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, have arrested a 24-year-old man and recovered a Dane gun following a report of gunshots in the DTV general area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, when troops deployed at DTV responded to reports of gunshots in the area.

According to military sources, the troops arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Daniel, 24, who was found in possession of one Dane gun.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to have fired the shots while hunting in the area.

The suspect and the recovered weapon are currently in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

The arrest followed the prompt response of troops to reports of gunfire as security forces continue efforts to maintain peace and security across communities in Plateau State.

Troops Arrest 24-Year-Old Hunter With Dane Gun After Gunshots Report in Plateau

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GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

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GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

By Zagazola Makama

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General W.M. Dangana, has urged the Irigwe community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence in resolving differences and restoring lasting peace.

Dangana made the call on Friday, August 22, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Miango community in Bassa LGA.

The engagement was attended by the Chief of Staff and Commander, Sector 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, the entire Irigwe leadership and other stakeholders.

During the meeting, participants discussed critical security issues affecting the community and measures required to address the challenges and prevent further escalation of tensions.

The GOC emphasized the importance of dialogue as a means of resolving differences, urging the stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions to issues affecting the community.

He also called on the Irigwe leadership and residents to promote peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for collective efforts towards restoring lasting peace in the community and Plateau State at large.

The engagement further illustrates the importance of cooperation between the security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities in addressing security challenges and strengthening peace-building efforts.

The meeting was hitch-free.

GOC 3 Division Urges Irigwe Stakeholders to Embrace Dialogue, Peaceful Coexistence

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