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We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
- Lauds efforts on peaceful coexistence among different faiths
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured that the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious and ethnic beliefs, will be protected under the current administration.
This is even as President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) and14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
In a move aimed at promoting unity and tolerance in the country’s diverse society, the Vice President emphasized the importance of inclusivity and respect for religious freedom in a nation with a population of over 200 million people divided along religious and ethnic lines.
Senator Shettima made the pledge in Lagos on Saturday during a special prayer organized by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya of Nigeria in honour of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
The VP assured the gathering that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is guided by the message of the day, and is committed to protecting the rights and freedom of all Nigerians, regardless of their beliefs.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serve as a compass guiding us through the complexities of a multicultural world. He left us a template to manage a diverse society fairly. He taught us ways to build peace and resolve conflicts through dialogue, through kindness and through tolerance,” he stated.
Delivering his keynote address on the theme, “Searching For A Compass In A Multicultural World,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to Secretary General of the Tijjaniyya International and President of the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya for their exemplary guidance and dedication to preserving moral values.
He called for accountability in deeds and actions, urging all individuals to uphold the Prophet’s message of fairness and inclusivity in their daily interactions.
“The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) offer a beacon of light navigating the complexities of our multicultural world,” VP Shettima noted, adding that the Holy Prophet left behind “a roadmap for managing diversity with fairness, building peace through dialogue, and resolving conflicts with kindness and tolerance.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the nation, Shettima acknowledged the burden of trust bestowed on President Tinubu by the Nigerian people.
He called for reflection and prayer for the President and other leaders, urging all citizens to remember their purpose in a world filled with trials and distractions.
On behalf of the President and Nigeria’s over 200 million people, the VP expressed deep appreciation for the special prayer session held by the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, where the Quran was recited 4,444 times for Nigeria and its leader.
“In our diverse nation, it is our duty to ensure every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrimination. We extend a hand of friendship to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, commending your efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among different religious communities,” he stated.
VP Shettima also spoke about the importance of internal transformation as a prerequisite for societal change, saying “as Allah instructed in the Qur’an, we can only guarantee change in our condition if we change that which is within us.”
He urged all Nigerians to lead by example, recognizing their intellectual, spiritual and moral capabilities.
His words: “We are all in search of our roads to redemption. Here, we are offering to build a nation that upholds the dignity of each person, recognizes the rights of each group, and emphasizes the essence of tolerance.”
The Vice President called for collective action, stressing the need to build a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice and fairness.
He implored Nigerians to join hands in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood in fulfilling the nation’s obligations to its people and embracing the Prophet’s timeless teachings.
“Our road to the place of hope is strewn with our commitment to building a nation with the bricks of compassion, justice, and fairness. The miracle of this dream rests on our adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, and I urge all Nigerians to join us in the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood on our long walk to fulfil our obligations to the people,” Shettima said.
Earlier, President General of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, implored Nigerians to file behind the Tinubu administration to move the country forward.
Specifically, the 14th Emir of Kano and Khalifa of Tijjaniyya in Nigeria called on politicians, the business community, religious scholars and traditional rulers to focus on Project Nigeria, and work towards rebuilding the nation.
“We are aware that you have taken over this country in a very difficult time, and at this time all Nigerians need to come behind you to end politics and face governance and move Nigeria forward.
“Every year on this occasion we try to complete at least 4,444 recitation of the Qur’an, with the sole intention of praying for the peace and stability of our country, for the protection of our leaders and our people.
“On behalf of the members of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen I must recognize and acknowledge all the cooperation and support we have been receiving from the Federal Government, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and President Bola Tinubu.
Sanusi particularly thanked the President and the Vice President for the donation of an edifice to the Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) in Abuja.
“We will not forget it. We pray to Allah to guide our leaders to give good direction so that they are able to implement policies that, as a nation, will move us forward,” he said.
Also, the International Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya) Worldwide, Sheikh Mohammed Lamin Inyass, stressed the need for unity among the Muslim community, adding that Islam commands all Muslims to honour humanity irrespective of tribe or religion.
According to him, a true Muslim is a brother to his fellow Muslim, irrespective of their sect or whatever understanding.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), Saiyadi Yahaya Al-Qasim, former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Barr. Mukhtar Abdullahi Mohammed; Sheikh Siraj Inyass; Sheikh Maulud Fall Murtania; Sheikh Buba Inyass, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Auwal and Khalifa Danlami Agege.
Others are Sheikh Adenekan Khaliful Khulafa (South West), Alhaji Ibrahim Bayero, Dan Madamin Kano, Sheikh Faruq Suleman Almiskinubillah, Sheikh Mushri Murtania, Sheikh Abdullahi Uwais, Khalifa Aminubillah Akoshole, Sheikh Nuruddeen Inyass, and Sheikh Shehi Maihula, among others.
We’ll Protect Nigerians’ Rights, Regardless Of Religious, Ethnic Origins – Shettima
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
By: Michael Mike
Leaders from several West African countries have agreed to pursue a new, structured approach to regional cooperation aimed at tackling terrorism, cross-border crime, and deepening insecurity across the sub-region.
The commitment was reached at the end of a two-day High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026.
The meeting was chaired by Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, with Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Joseph Boakai of Liberia leading their respective delegations.
Representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo also participated.
Discussions at the conference focused on the worsening security situation in West Africa, which leaders described as facing an alarming rise in terrorism and violent extremism. Participants noted that the frequency of attacks and loss of civilian lives now pose a serious threat to regional stability, economic activity, and social cohesion, making coordinated action unavoidable.
The conference followed earlier technical sessions involving Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Security, as well as intelligence chiefs from participating states. Development partners, including the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), alongside civil society organisations, contributed to the deliberations.
Leaders agreed that existing responses to insecurity have been too fragmented and largely reactive. As a result, the conference resolved to work toward a permanent framework for cooperation that would strengthen collective responses, improve information sharing, and address the structural drivers of insecurity across borders.
A key outcome of the meeting was a renewed emphasis on a human security approach, recognising that military measures alone cannot deliver lasting peace.
The leaders pledged to prioritise governance reforms, job creation, access to education and healthcare, and community-based peacebuilding as part of national and regional security strategies.
On counterterrorism, the conference agreed to enhance intelligence and information sharing, harmonise legal frameworks to support cross-border prosecution of terrorism-related crimes, and expand deradicalisation programmes while upholding human rights standards. Measures to combat trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons were also highlighted.
To strengthen border security, participants committed to exploring joint operational measures, including possible “hot-pursuit” arrangements through bilateral or multilateral agreements. They further agreed to develop a foundational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and security within six months, with Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with leading the drafting process.
The conference also addressed humanitarian and climate-related challenges, recognising climate change as a factor that intensifies conflict and displacement. Leaders agreed to integrate climate and food security into regional peace planning and to work toward a shared disaster preparedness and humanitarian response framework.
At the close of the meeting, participants agreed to institutionalise the consultative conference as a bi-annual platform and to establish a mechanism for tracking and monitoring the implementation of agreed decisions.
The conference ended with a renewed pledge by regional leaders to translate commitments into concrete actions that safeguard lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen stability across West Africa.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu led the country’s delegation to the meeting.
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have stormed the camp of a notorious bandit leader, Gwaska Dan Karmi, in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, neutralising 20 terrorists and destroying the stronghold.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the decisive, well-coordinated offensive followed credible intelligence that over 100 bandits had converged at the camp to plan coordinated attacks on communities and logistics movements.
According to the source, the troops, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and local vigilantes, conducted week-long surveillance before moving to intercept the terrorists.
“Contact was established on Jan. 31, 2026, as the terrorists advanced. They engaged the troops in a fierce firefight and attempted a flanking manoeuvre, but this was repelled by superior firepower,” the source said.
He said 20 terrorists were neutralised in the encounter, while several others fled with gunshot wounds. Follow-up operations, the source added, were ongoing to assess further casualties and recover additional items.
The raid yielded significant recoveries, including assorted weapons and ammunition, bicycles, food supplies, medical drugs, clothing, detergents and other logistics materials.
“The Gwaska Dan Karmi camp was completely destroyed,” the source said.
He noted that troops remained highly motivated, with combat efficiency assessed as strong and unwavering.
Troops storm bandit leader’s camp in Zamfara, neutralise 20, destroy stronghold
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Zamfara State Police Command, have rescued an abducted man in Tsafe Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Jan. 29, when armed bandits invaded the residence of Abdullahi Isah Nagari on the outskirts of Tsafe town and abducted him to an unknown destination.
According to the source, troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Tsafe Division promptly mobilised to launch a coordinated rescue operation.
“During a thorough search of the surrounding bushes, the victim was successfully located and rescued. He was found tied to a tree with a machete cut injury on his hand,” the source said.
The sources added that the victim was immediately taken to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where he was receiving medical attention.
The source said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the perpetrators, while security patrols had been intensified in the area to prevent further occurrences.
Army troops, police rescue abducted victim in Zamfara
West African Leaders Move to Deepen Regional Security Cooperation at Accra Conference
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