By COLLINS YAKUBU-HAMMER

The Afemai Islamic Movement (AIM) has unveiled a Ramadan initiative aimed at curbing organised crime through moral and ethical methods rooted in Islamic teachings.

The President of AIM, Dr Ismael Danesi, said at the movement’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture in Abuja on Sunday that the initiative was designed to promote moral reform as a tool for national security.

Danesi said the programme was not restricted to Muslims, but encouraged participation of all Nigerians in efforts to shun crime and restore moral values.

He said families and communities must work together to address terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and other forms of organised crime confronting the country.

The lecture, themed “An Islamic Framework for Curtailing Organised Crime: Lessons From the Ramadan Fast”, examined terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, oil theft, cultism and armed robbery.

The AIM President Danesi said the organisation holds monthly gatherings focused on youth mentorship, moral instruction and social cohesion beyond the Ramadan period.

He also said AIM was opened to collaboration with other religious and civil society groups to strengthen interfaith efforts against crime.

The president urged Nigerians to use the Ramadan period for reflection and moral renewal to promote peace and stability in the country.

He expressed optimism that sustained ethical reorientation would complement security measures in addressing organised crime nationwide.

The keynote lecturer, Imamm Mma Shuaib, said organised crime was structured, profit-driven and sustained through violence, secrecy and corruption.

Shuaib said crime was a global challenge and not limited to Nigeria or any faith, adding that religious teachings provided moral safeguards for the society.

“Every nation in history has confronted crime in one form or another but faith and traditions offer moral guardians to prevent societies from descending into chaos.

“If individuals internalise that, they will be accountable for every action, even the weight of an atom, they will hesitate before harming another human being.

“We teach young people how to live in accordance with the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad -peace, justice and upright conduct.

“This is about becoming better human beings here on earth and attaining mercy in the hereafter,” he said.

According to him, the framework proposed by AIM is rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and emphasises accountability before God.

He said the concept of Tawheed (Islamic monotheism) reinforces personal responsibility, while Taqwa ( consciousness of God) serves as a deterrent to wrongdoing.

The lecturer added that the Maqasid al-Shariah, which promotes protection of life, religion, intellect, lineage and property, also counters moral decline. (NAN)

* PLS USE PHOTO OF THE PRESIDENT OF AIM, DR. ISMAEL DANESI OR A RAMADAN PUBLIC GATHERING OCCASION

• AIM president, Danesi ( in case of photo use)

• Aim President Ismail Danesi speaking during 2026 annual Ramadan lecture in Abuja ( in case of occasion use)

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