The Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, an Islamic organisation, has urged the development of practical and coordinated strategies to address insecurity, educational challenges, and social vices across West Africa and the Sahel region.
The organisation’s National Secretary, Dr. Muhammad AlQasim-Yahaya, made the appeal at a news briefing in Abuja ahead of the West Africa Islamic Conference on Security and Governance.
He emphasised the need for stronger deradicalisation programmes, interfaith dialogue, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the region.
AlQasim-Yahaya raised concerns over the proliferation of more than 12 million illegal small arms circulating across West Africa, noting that the uncontrolled spread of weapons continues to drive instability.
According to him, the worsening situation is linked to governance lapses, economic marginalisation, poverty, porous borders, and the misuse of religion by extremist elements.
He said the organisation, worried about the rise in terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian crises in the Sahel, would host a regional conference on Security and Governance from Nov. 4 to 6, 2025, in Abuja.
As Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, AlQasim-Yahaya explained that the event aims to unite Islamic scholars, policymakers, security experts, and international partners to craft a regional framework for addressing insecurity.
The conference, expected to attract participants from about 20 ECOWAS and Sahel countries, is themed “The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.”
He added that one of the goals is to reform traditional Islamic education to meet modern development and security needs, while integrating Almajiri children into society.
“The gathering will serve as a platform for stakeholders from affected regions to explore sustainable solutions and reinforce the vital role of faith-based institutions in peacebuilding,” he said.
He cited alarming statistics showing that the Sahel now accounts for over half of global terrorism-related deaths, with Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria among the hardest hit.
In May 2025 alone, the region recorded 2,409 deaths from 985 violent incidents, displacing over five million people.
AlQasim-Yahaya also voiced concern about the high number of out-of-school children, especially in Northern Nigeria, warning that many risk exploitation and recruitment by extremist groups.
He called on governments, religious leaders, the media, and development partners to support the initiative, stressing that regional security requires collective responsibility and sustained collaboration.