The Jam’Iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya has called for comprehensive, actionable strategies towards combating insecurity, educational challenges, and social vices in West Africa and the Sahel.

Its national secretary, Muhammad AlQasim-Yahaya, made the call at a news briefing on the forthcoming West Africa Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, held in Abuja.

He also stressed the need for enhanced deradicalisation efforts, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence within the region. He drew attention to the proliferation of over 12 million illegal small arms circulating across West Africa, warning that the unchecked flow of weapons continues to fuel instability in the region.

Mr AlQasim-Yahaya attributed the worsening crisis to governance failures, alleged economic marginalisation, poverty, porous borders, and the manipulation of religion by extremist groups.

He said the organisation, concerned about the rates of terrorism, violent extremism, and the growing humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region, would organise a conference on Security and Governance from November 4 to 6, 2025, in Abuja.

Mr AlQasim-Yahaya explained that it aims to mobilise Islamic scholars, security experts, policymakers, and international stakeholders towards formulating a coordinated regional response to insecurity.

He added that about 20 countries of the ECOWAS and the Sahel region would attend the conference.

Mr AlQasim-Yahaya also mentioned that one of the major objectives of the conference was to reform the traditional Islamic education system to align with modern security and development imperatives and give the Almajiri children a sense of belonging.

”The conference will bring people from the affected regions to discuss issues that will bring salvation, reflect the growing recognition of the strategic influence of faith-based institutions in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

“The Sahel now accounts for over half of global terrorism-related deaths, with Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria worst affected. In May 2025 alone, the region recorded 2,409 fatalities in 985 violent incidents, while over five million people have been displaced,” he stated.

Mr AlQasim-Yahaya expressed concerns over the increasing number of out-of-school children in the region, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He called on governments, religious leaders, the media, and development partners to support the initiative, emphasising that security is everybody’s business.

According to him, the fight against terrorism can only be won through collaboration, inclusive dialogue, and the promotion of justice, social welfare, and good governance.

Mr AlQasim-Yahaya advised the media to play a constructive role in promoting peace and countering extremist ideology through accurate reporting and public sensitisation.

(NAN)