President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria's security collaboration with the United States as a strategic alliance, underscoring its commitment to combating terrorism and safeguarding civilians, all while upholding the nation's sovereignty.
These statements were made on Monday during the 4th International Conference of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, held at Bayero University, Kano. The President was represented at the event by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
"Our security alliance with the United States is strategic, focused on protecting vulnerable communities, and operationally led by Nigerian troops," the President stated.
Addressing the nation's current challenges, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to actively counter any narratives that falsely depict the country as lacking religious freedom.
He remarked, "We must strengthen our resolve for a more united country. Recent attempts to misrepresent Nigeria as a nation that undermines religious freedom must be firmly resisted."
He called on citizens to champion shared values and foster peaceful coexistence, identifying unity as the bedrock of enduring peace.
"Our national security is tied to our unity, our togetherness, and our respect for religious diversity. We must forge a united front against those who seek to divide us," he added.
The President reaffirmed the administration's dedication to protecting lives and property and combating criminal activities nationwide, noting that significant efforts are underway to secure lives and property and to wage the fight against terror with all available resources.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as fundamental elements for national security and progress.
He highlighted the deployment of over 7,000 trained forest guards across the country to prevent criminals from utilizing forest routes. Simultaneously, he mentioned ongoing initiatives to establish community policing through state police forces, in accordance with constitutional procedures.
The President commended the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue and the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna for their consistent efforts in promoting peace and national cohesion through dialogue.
"This conference continues to uphold the ideals of our nation’s peace and unity through dialogue. I am honoured by this invitation," he said.
He praised the conference's focus on the legacy of the late Sheikh Mahmud Abubakar Gummi, deeming it timely and instructive. The President noted that the respected Islamic scholar played a crucial role in advancing national unity during significant periods in Nigeria's history.
"Sheikh Gummi understood the intersection of faith and politics and worked closely with authorities after independence and the civil war to promote oneness and peaceful coexistence," Tinubu stated.
He characterized Sheikh Gummi as an eminent scholar, reformer, and national figure whose influence reached beyond religious spheres.
"He was a teacher, a reformer, an advisor, and a prodigious writer. He mentored generations to believe in the indivisibility of Nigeria, in work and in worship," Tinubu added.
It was noted that following the declaration of a national security emergency in November 2025, President Tinubu announced an expansion and reinforcement of security operations in states grappling with banditry and terrorism.
"We have optimised intelligence-led operations to disrupt and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks," he confirmed.
Among the notable attendees at the event were prominent Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, the National Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’aWa’Ikamatul Sunnah (JIBWIS); Professor Shehu Ahmad Galadanci, the Chief Imam of Kano State; Professor Haruna Musa, Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano; Sheikh Ahmad Mahmud Gummi; and retired General Abdulkadir Mahmud Gummi, among others.
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