Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, has warned that any imam found promoting extremism, terrorism, hatred, or violence will be arrested, while any mosque used for such activities will be shut down by the government.
Bago said religious centres must serve as places for promoting peace, unity, and moral values, rather than platforms for spreading violence, incitement, or extremist ideologies.
He urged residents to report any mosque or religious leader who preaches messages that threaten public peace or national security.
The governor specifically cautioned against preaching ideologies linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group or allowing its members to address worshippers in mosques.
He stressed that any imam found supporting or providing a platform for the group would be arrested, while the affected mosque would be closed.
Bago also warned religious leaders against preaching hatred toward other faiths, inciting violence, or creating divisions among Muslims, insisting that freedom of worship does not extend to spreading messages that endanger lives or undermine public order.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and residents to work together to provide credible intelligence to help identify individuals promoting violent extremism.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, emphasizing that maintaining peace and security remains a top priority in Niger State.
