Author(s):
Bolarin Najeeb Haroon, merit.bola007@gmail.com,
Lateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, ,
Abstract:
Religious extremism has emerged as a significant threat to peace and security in multifaith
communities across the globe. From the Middle East to Southeast Asia, extremist ideologies have
fueled sectarian violence, deepening social divides and undermining peaceful coexistence. In
Africa, countries like Nigeria stand at the intersection of religious pluralism and extremism, where
faith-based conflicts have become increasingly prevalent. Nigeria, characterized by its rich
religious diversity with both Christian and Muslim populations, has experienced recurring
violence driven by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and other radical factions. The objective
of this paper is to examine the impact of religious extremism on peace and security in Nigeria's
multifaith communities. It investigates how extremist ideologies disrupt societal harmony, deepen
religious divides, and threaten national stability. The paper also evaluates the factors contributing
to the rise of extremism in Nigeria, such as socio-political grievances, economic disparities, and
identity politics, while analyzing government and community responses to mitigate these
challenges. Key regions and communities affected by religious violence, particularly in Northern
Nigeria and the Middle Belt, serve as case studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of
the issue. The importance of this paper lies in its contribution to the discourse on peacebuilding
in religiously diverse societies. By focusing on Nigeria, a country often seen as a microcosm of
broader religious tensions in Africa, this research highlights the need for sustainable strategies to
address religious extremism. It offers insights into fostering interreligious dialogue, enhancing
community resilience, and promoting policies that encourage peaceful coexistence. This study is
critical for policymakers, religious leaders, and peacebuilding practitioners aiming to develop
context-specific solutions that counteract extremism and nurture a culture of tolerance in Nigeria
and beyond
IWF