In a powerful display of spiritual solidarity, the Association of Nigerian Imams convened a significant national congregational prayer in Kano State, directly responding to the escalating security crisis plaguing the nation.
Spiritual Response to National Crisis
The solemn gathering took place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the historic Sheikh Ahmadu Tijjani Mosque. The event drew a large assembly of imams, esteemed Islamic scholars, and devoted worshippers from various parts of Kano State, all united in a common purpose.
Addressing the congregation, the National President of the association, Sheikh Muhammad Nasir Adam, articulated the profound concern that motivated the gathering. He emphasized that the religious leaders viewed spiritual reflection and supplication as a critical necessity in a period marked by widespread fear and uncertainty across Nigeria.
Prayers Against Multiple Security Threats
Sheikh Adam detailed the specific focus of their prayers, which centered on seeking divine intervention against a complex web of security threats. He explicitly listed the challenges of insurgency, rampant banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the emergence of new armed factions as the primary plagues affecting national stability.
"From the persistent challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP to the menace of bandits, kidnappers, and other violent groups, these are our harsh new realities," Sheikh Adam stated. He further revealed that the prayers also extended to countering perceived external threats from nations allegedly attempting to destabilize Nigeria. The Imam urged all citizens to shun despair and instead embrace humility, unity, and steadfast faith as essential tools for overcoming the nation's adversities.
Launch of a Nationwide Prayer Initiative
The Kano event was not an isolated act but the launchpad for a broader national campaign. The organizers announced definitive plans to replicate this model of congregational prayer across all 36 states of the federation. These subsequent sessions are designed to include not only imams but also traditional rulers and representatives from civil society organizations.
The overarching goal of this nationwide initiative is to foster a stronger sense of unity among Nigerians and to reinforce the core values of peace and justice during a profoundly difficult period for the country. Sheikh Adam expressed confidence in Nigeria's resilience, citing its endowed natural resources and its people, and maintained that peace is achievable through collective resolve and moral discipline.
The prayer session created a solemn atmosphere where participants deeply reflected on the security challenges causing loss of lives and livelihoods, culminating in a powerful, collective appeal for lasting peace and an end to the violence and social tensions.
