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ECOWAS, Islamic Scholars Unite Against Terrorism In West Africa

Published

2 months ago

November 9, 2025

A comprehensive approach to tackle violent extremism and terrorism appears to be underway in West Africa as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Islamic scholars have demonstrated uncommon resolve and unity to dismantle terror networks and structures in the sub region.

The sub regional bloc and allied scholars seemed to have been jolted by the increasing devastation inflicted on citizens of the region, who are daily victims of death and destruction perpetrated by terrorists such as Boko Haram, Islamic Jihad, and ISWAP among others.

Prompted by this menace, ECOWAS and Islamic scholars within the region organised the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance in Abuja last Thursday to strengthen unity, cooperation, and the adoption of non-violent strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism across West Africa and the Sahel.

The conference, with the theme “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism in the Sahel,” came with an impressive assemblage of prominent Islamic leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, and representatives from ECOWAS member states and international organisations.

The focus, according to a communiqué issued at the end of the three-day event, was to build resilience and capacity to counter dangerous ideologies with humane values and strengthen reforms in the educational and social sectors against radicalisation.

The conference featured 11 sessions under seven sub-themes, exploring economic, social, and political drivers of radicalisation.

Within the scope of the far-reaching of ECOWAS’ Action Plan Against Terrorism, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, in his remarks, described the gathering as a landmark in regional cooperation against terrorism.

Touray said the plan aims to strengthen security cooperation while promoting education and social reforms that address the root causes of extremism, a development that is urgent in view of the increasing threat of terrorism.

Citing findings from the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which identifies Africa as the new global epicentre of terrorism, Touray said “the Sahel region, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase in terrorism. We must combine kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to tackle the menace and modernise our traditional Quranic schools to prevent youth radicalisation”, Touray said.

“We need to improve and modernise the school system and convert them into formalised centres of learning and economic empowerment,” he added.

Royal Father of the day, Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, who also served as the President of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya in Nigeria, commended ECOWAS for its leadership and urged continued collaboration between governments and religious institutions.

“Your commitment to regional peace and security is a beacon of hope for our citizens. Let us strive to create a region where every individual can live in peace, security, and dignity”, he said.

He emphasised the role of faith-based organisations in promoting social cohesion, peacebuilding, and moral education across the subregion.

Mohamed Chambas, African Union High Representative for ‘Silencing the Guns,’ said the goal of the forum was to design an action plan that leverages the influence of Islamic organisations in countering terrorism through non-kinetic means.

Represented by Abdel-Fatah Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Chambas said participants affirmed that authentic Islamic teachings promote peace, justice, and respect for human life, principles that reject all forms of violence.

Often poverty, unemployment, political marginalisation and weak governance have been identified as key enablers of extremist recruitment and this is one area stakeholders must work to implement the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism adopted at the conference.

It is on record that over 40 million children are out of school in the region and terrorism-related deaths have increased by 10 percent in the past decade. This is a very disturbing development triggered by poverty, which renders the children vulnerable to terror recruits.

“We must empower Islamic organisations to promote peace, tolerance, and coexistence while strengthening cross-border cooperation”, Chambas warned.

National Secretary of Jamiyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, Sayyid Yahaya, described the event as “a clear success” that reaffirmed the group’s belief in unity and collective action for peace in West Africa.

Yahaya told journalists that representatives from 21 countries, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Mauritania, and Lebanon, shared experiences on regional peace initiatives.

“Our focus was to develop better non-kinetic approaches and strengthen the role of respected Islamic leaders in fostering stability across West Africa and the Sahel.

“Collaboration, information sharing, and community involvement are crucial to achieving lasting peace. Terrorism and extremism have no religion. Even humanity itself rejects violence,” he said.

Yahaya emphasised inclusivity in tackling insecurity, urging collaboration between Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths.

He welcomed Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms, particularly efforts to modernise the Almajiri system, stressing that private and community initiatives must complement government investment in education.

“The government cannot fund education 100 percent. UNESCO recommends 26 percent of the national budget, but no West African country has reached 20 percent. That’s why community involvement is essential”, he said.

The enthusiasm of the scholars notwithstanding, there must be an intentional approach to reform the education in Muslim societies.

It is time to improve the conditions of the students of the Sangaya education (Almajiri system) in northern Nigeria, the Makaranta in Ghana, Madrasas, and all other education infrastructure within the sub region to transform them into abodes of tolerance, peace and social cohesion, while preserving the cultural identity of the institutions as envisaged by the organizers of the event.

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Fire razes part of Ogun free trade zone, Igbesa

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A fire outbreak has occurred at the mattress section of the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, on Sunday.

It was gathered that the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The incident has reportedly caused chaos and fear among students living around the Obanla axis of the area.

In a video obtained by our correspondent, students were seen running out of their hostels as the thick smoke covered the sky.

An eyewitness, Kuwhede Vincent, a student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, OGITECH, Igbesa, disclosed that there was a loud noise followed by smoke and fire.

Vincent said, “ It started around 8 am in the morning, we first saw smoke then fire coming from the company.

“The company is very close to my hostel but I don’t think any hostel was affected. We just carried our bag because we don’t know what can happen next”.

He noted that the fire service were on ground to curtail the fire.

Reacting to the incident, President of the Student Union Government in OGITECH, Ilo Fadilu Temitope, in a statement signed by its secretary, Moses Josephine and PRO Segbetin Sunday, and made available to called for calm among students, urging them to be vigilant, and adhere strictly to safety measures.

Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Students’ Union Government has been drawn to information reaching us regarding a fire outbreak at the Ogun–Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), Igbesa, which is in close proximity to some student hostels around the Obanla axis.

“While relevant authorities are reportedly responding to the situation, the Students’ Union deems it necessary to prioritize the safety and well-being of all students.

“In view of this, students especially those residing around Obanla axis and its environs are hereby advised to remain calm but vigilant, and to strictly observe the following safety measures: Avoid unnecessary movement towards the affected area or fire scene, stay indoors where it is safe to do so and keep doors and windows closed if there is smoke in the environment, switch off electrical appliances and gas sources as a precaution.”

As of the time of filing this report, there has not been any official statement on the cause of the incident.

When contacted by our correspondent, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya said, “Thanks for the information, I will work on it immediately.”

Many houses affected as fire guts Ogun Free Trade Zone pic.twitter.com/pYIjbLwGhJ

— Temitope Hassan (@temihat) January 11, 2026

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Demolition notice: Ogun communities cry out, call for Gov Abiodun’s intervention

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

About 15 communities in the Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State have called for the intervention of Governor Dapo Abiodun over alleged plot to demolish their villages and acquire their land.

The communities include Itori Mogan, Laaki, Jaguna, Ogunu, Paashi, Kumapayi, and Abule Odo of Ijemoland among others.

According to the villagers, the community which is over 300 years was excised by former governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration.

It was gathered that the state government, through the its Planning and Development Permit Authority, Abeokuta Metro Zonal Planning Office, served a demolition notice with service number 00047932 on the occupiers of Itori Mogan village on Friday, accusing them of contravening the Land Use Act of Ogun State for residing in Hillcrest Estate.

In the demolition notice dated January 9, 2026, the government gave the occupiers three days deadline to vacate the affected villages that fell within its acquisition.

Expressing their displeasure on Saturday, the Baale of Ogunro, Chief Olakunle Bodunde, speaking on behalf of the villages marked for demolition, lamented that the present administration is bent on taking the remaining part of the community for an estate development, while rendering members of the community homeless.

He noted that the matter was in court and despite several meetings with the government, a demolition notice was pasted on their buildings.

He said, “We have taken significant steps to address this issue. We had meetings with the government, and now the matter is in court.

“We have served them, and the government has been notified, but they are not showing up in court, and now they have come to paste demolition notices on our buildings.

“We want things to be done with due process. The court has not made a pronouncement yet.”

Also speaking, Chief Oludare Salako, the Baale of Itori Mogan, said the communities have different ancestral gods which according to him cannot be relocated, saying that forceful eviction could spell danger.

He appealed to the state governor to intervene, expressing the belief that he may not be aware of the incident.

“We want Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene, as we believe he may not be aware of these alleged land grabbers in his government. We want him to look critically into the matter and stop their actions,” Salako added.

The Aro of Egbaland and Oluwo of Ijemo, High Chief Oluyinka Kufile, urged the villagers to engage in dialogue with the government and be hopeful.

“If you have a right, no government will stop you from exercising your right. So my advice is to dialogue.

“We have signed pacts with the present government on some particular land and villages. Go there, visit the office, and make inquiries. Why again are they trying to take back the land,” he said.

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Full List Of Countries Nigerians Travel To Without Visa

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Nigerian passport holders can now travel to 45 countries worldwide without obtaining a visa in advance, according to the latest update from Visaindex.

The development significantly eases international travel for Nigerians, providing broader options for tourism, business, education and family visits.

Of the 45 destinations, 27 countries allow visa-free entry for Nigerian citizens, while the remaining operate visa-on-arrival or Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) regimes. Entry conditions vary by country, but the update signals an expansion of global mobility opportunities for Nigerians.

Several African nations have adopted open-border policies aimed at boosting regional integration, trade and tourism.

The Gambia – Since 2019, the country has declared itself a visa-free zone for all African travellers, extending the policy to Commonwealth nations, the European Union, and select Baltic states.

Benin – Inspired by Rwanda, Benin lifted visa restrictions for all Africans in 2019, strengthening its position as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa.

Kenya – In October 2023, President William Ruto announced the removal of visa requirements for all African visitors to enhance trade, tourism and continental connectivity.

Rwanda – Since November 2023, Rwanda has granted visa-free entry to all Africans without fees, reinforcing its reputation as a leading tourism and conference destination.

Ghana – Ghana recently joined the visa-free league for Africans, a move expected to attract investors, tourists and business travellers as it positions itself as a regional hub.

Other Visa-Free Or Easy-Access Destinations

Nigerian passport holders can also access the following countries either visa-free, via visa-on-arrival, or through eTA arrangements:

Barbados

Burkina Faso

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Chad

Cook Islands

Côte d’Ivoire

Dominica

Fiji

Guinea