Abuja: 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, announced the initiative during the movement’s 2026 annual Ramadan lecture in Abuja, stating that it was designed to promote moral reform as a tool for national security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Danesi emphasized that the programme was not exclusive to Muslims, but encouraged the participation of all Nigerians in efforts to shun crime and restore moral values. He highlighted the importance of families and communities working together to combat terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and other forms of organised crime facing the country.
The lecture, themed ‘An Islamic Framework for Curtailing Organised Crime: Lessons From the Ramadan Fast’, addressed issues such as terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, oil theft, cultism, and armed robbery. Danesi also mentioned that AIM holds monthly gatherings focused on youth mentorship, moral instruction, and social cohesion beyond the Ramadan period.
AIM is open to collaboration with other religious and civil society groups to strengthen interfaith efforts against crime, Danesi noted. He 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, Imam Mma Shuaib, described organised crime as structured, profit-driven, and sustained through violence, secrecy, and corruption. Shuaib noted that crime is a global challenge not limited to Nigeria or any faith, and religious teachings provide moral safeguards for society.
He stated that every nation in history has confronted crime in various forms, but faith and traditions offer moral guidance to prevent societies from descending into chaos. Shuaib emphasized the importance of individuals internalizing accountability for their actions, suggesting that such awareness would deter them from causing harm to others.
Shuaib explained that the framework proposed by AIM is rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and emphasizes accountability before God. He noted that the concept of Tawheed (Islamic monotheism) reinforces personal responsibility, while Taqwa (consciousness of God) serves as a deterrent to wrongdoing.