Muslim World League, JIBWIS Hold International Security Conference in Abuja, Seek Peace and National Unity

Abuja, Nigeria 🇳🇬 | August 11, 2026

The Muslim World League of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Nigeria, has commenced a two-day International Conference on Security and National Unity in Abuja.

The high-level conference, being held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, brings together government officials, religious scholars, traditional rulers, policymakers, security stakeholders, diplomats, business leaders and other participants from Nigeria and beyond.

The gathering is centred on the need to strengthen peace, national unity, religious harmony and security while examining the relationship between security and sustainable socio-economic development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for greater unity and cooperation among Nigerians, stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence and community collaboration in confronting the country's security challenges.

Al-Issa Leads Muslim World League Delegation

A major feature of the event is the participation of the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who arrived in Abuja ahead of the conference.

Al-Issa was received by senior Nigerian officials and dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu and other prominent figures.

The Muslim World League has been described by the organisers as the principal international partner for the conference, with Al-Issa playing a central role in the event.

Speaking on the significance of the gathering, the Chairman of the conference's Media and Publicity Committee, Garba Mohammed, said the conference goes beyond religious matters, with discussions extending to human development, security, tolerance, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

Security, Terrorism and Banditry Take Centre Stage

The conference is examining some of the major security challenges confronting Nigeria, particularly terrorism, kidnapping, armed banditry and other threats to national stability.

According to the organisers, participants are also discussing practical measures for countering terrorism and armed banditry, strengthening community resilience, promoting sustainable peace and developing international partnerships capable of supporting socio-economic development.

The discussions are expected to provide an opportunity for experts and policymakers to examine how religious and community leaders can contribute to preventing violence, strengthening social cohesion and building peaceful communities.

Focus on Religious Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence

Another major area of discussion is peaceful coexistence among Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic or cultural differences.

The organisers say Muslim unity, diversity and peaceful coexistence among people of different backgrounds form part of the central issues being addressed at the conference.

Sheikh Al-Issa has also commended President Tinubu's efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims, noting that peace and harmony in Nigeria would have positive implications for stability across West Africa and beyond.

Plenary Sessions and Expert Discussions

The programme includes plenary sessions and expert panel discussions addressing contemporary security and development challenges.

Among the areas highlighted for discussion are counter-terrorism, armed banditry, community resilience, sustainable peace, religious tolerance, national cohesion and global cooperation for socio-economic development.

The conference is therefore providing a platform for religious scholars, government representatives, security experts and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to challenges affecting Nigeria and the wider region.

Muslim World League Mosque Inaugurated in Abuja

Ahead of the international conference, Sheikh Al-Issa on Monday participated in the inauguration of a newly constructed Muslim World League Mosque in Abuja.

At the ceremony, the Muslim World League Secretary-General commended President Tinubu for efforts aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria.

Al-Issa said his visit was primarily focused on promoting peace and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the conference would contribute to greater dialogue, mutual understanding and harmony.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who accompanied Al-Issa to the mosque inauguration, described the visit and the conference as an important demonstration of cooperation between Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and the wider international community.

High-Level Participation

The conference has attracted senior government officials, governors, members of the National Assembly, Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, diplomats and captains of industry.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is also expected to serve as the Royal Father of the Day.

The participation of such a broad range of stakeholders is expected to strengthen discussions around Nigeria's security challenges and the role of religious and traditional institutions in promoting peace and national cohesion.

National Preaching Session to Conclude Programme

The two-day programme is expected to conclude with a national preaching session at the JIBWIS headquarters in Utako, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The session will provide another platform for religious leaders to reinforce messages of peace, tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.

The Abuja conference is ultimately aimed at moving discussions beyond religious boundaries and towards practical cooperation in addressing insecurity, strengthening national unity and creating an environment conducive to sustainable socio-economic development.