Nigeria’s religious leaders from both the Islamic and Christian communities have raised fresh alarm over the worsening security situation in the country, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to halt the rising wave of violence, kidnappings, banditry, and insurgency.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), , warned that insecurity across Nigeria appears to be deteriorating despite ongoing military and security operations aimed at restoring peace in troubled regions.
In a message marking the Islamic New Year, the Sultan, through a statement issued by the Secretary-General of JNI, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, called for unity and collective responsibility among citizens, religious leaders, and security agencies in addressing the country’s security challenges.
He urged Nigerians to intensify prayers and spiritual reflection while also supporting security agencies in their efforts to stabilize the nation. As part of spiritual interventions, he directed Imams across the country to observe Qunootun-Nawazil, special supplications traditionally recited during periods of crisis and calamity. He further encouraged worshippers to dedicate the first Friday prayer of the new Islamic year, scheduled for June 19, to prayers for peace and divine intervention in Nigeria.
According to the Sultan, Nigeria’s security challenges require not only military responses but also moral, spiritual, and communal efforts to rebuild trust, promote peace, and strengthen national cohesion.
In a separate appeal, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) also expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity affecting different parts of the country, describing the situation as increasingly unbearable for ordinary citizens.
Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos to mark the 90th birthday, 60 years of priesthood, and 55 years of episcopal service of Emeritus Archbishop , Catholic leaders said Nigerians are overwhelmed by daily reports of violence and abductions.
The Archbishop of Lagos and Vice President of CBCN, , said the country is witnessing frequent attacks by armed groups, including Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers, leaving communities devastated and displaced.
He lamented that citizens now wake up daily to news of killings, ambushes on security personnel, destroyed communities, and displaced traditional rulers, adding that the situation has become difficult to comprehend despite government assurances and interventions.
Martins stressed that Nigerians are increasingly exhausted by the continuous cycle of violence and called on President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
He urged the government to adequately equip, motivate, and support security agencies to respond more effectively to emerging threats, noting that sustainable peace requires both strong leadership and coordinated national action.
While acknowledging that government authorities have made efforts and maintained engagement with religious leaders, he observed that insecurity has persisted and, in some areas, worsened despite ongoing interventions.
According to him, the Catholic Bishops Conference has consistently engaged the federal government, offering recommendations and advocacy aimed at improving national security, but the desired results have yet to be achieved.
The joint concerns from both Islamic and Christian leaders highlight the growing consensus among Nigeria’s religious establishment that insecurity has become a national emergency requiring urgent, coordinated, and sustained action.
Analysts note that the unified voices from the Sultan and the Catholic Bishops underscore the severity of the crisis and the widespread impact of insecurity on communities, livelihoods, and national stability.
They argue that beyond military responses, Nigeria may need stronger intelligence coordination, improved governance at local levels, and deeper community engagement to effectively address the root causes of insecurity.
As the country continues to grapple with multiple security threats across regions, the calls from religious leaders add to increasing public pressure on the government to deliver lasting solutions and restore confidence among citizens in the safety of their daily lives.
