CAN warns of deepening national insecurity crisis
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared a three-day national mourning period and called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a nationwide security emergency, citing what it described as escalating killings, abductions and a worsening breakdown of public safety across the country.
CAN made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja under the theme “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward.” The summit brought together senior church leaders and representatives of major Christian blocs across Nigeria to review the country’s security situation.
In the communiqué, CAN said Nigeria is experiencing what it described as an “unprecedented wave of violence,” warning that citizens are increasingly unsafe in their homes, farms, highways and places of worship.
The association stressed that the Church could no longer remain silent in the face of rising insecurity, insisting that urgent national action is required to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability.
Widespread of Violence and Communities Under Attack
CAN said in the communiqué that Nigeria is currently facing what it described as an “unprecedented wave of violence,” marked by rising cases of killings, kidnappings and forced displacement across several parts of the country.
The association noted that citizens are being abducted from homes, highways, farmlands and schools, adding that the pattern of attacks reflects an expanding security threat affecting both rural and semi-urban communities.
It further expressed concern that farming communities are increasingly abandoning agricultural activities due to fear of attacks, a development it warned could worsen food insecurity and economic instability nationwide.
CAN also stated that schools and rural settlements have become frequent targets of armed groups, leading to disruptions in education and forcing closures in some affected areas.
The communiqué added that religious centres and public gathering spaces are no longer fully safe, raising concerns about freedom of worship and community protection.
Security System Failures and Structural Weaknesses
CAN said the current insecurity reflects deeper weaknesses in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in intelligence gathering, coordination and response systems.
It observed that security agencies often respond after attacks have already occurred, suggesting gaps in preventive intelligence and early warning mechanisms.
The association also noted what it described as weak coordination among security agencies, which it said has affected operational effectiveness in several crisis-hit areas.
CAN further warned that criminal groups are becoming more sophisticated and mobile, exploiting gaps in surveillance and communication systems to carry out attacks and evade arrest.
The communiqué stressed that without urgent structural reforms, insecurity risks becoming more entrenched and harder to reverse.
Call for State of Emergency and Security Reforms
Rising from the summit, CAN called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security, describing the current situation as requiring extraordinary national intervention.
The association said such a declaration would enable better coordination of security resources and strengthen the national response to rising violence.
It also called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, including improved intelligence systems, stronger inter-agency collaboration and enhanced accountability in security operations.
CAN emphasised the need to move from reactive responses to preventive and intelligence-driven security strategies capable of addressing evolving threats.
The association further renewed its call for the establishment of State Police, arguing that decentralised policing would improve local intelligence gathering and ensure faster responses to security incidents.
Abductions, Trauma and Displacement
CAN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other Nigerians currently held by criminal groups across the country.
It said security agencies must intensify rescue operations, stressing that every effort should be made to ensure victims are safely reunited with their families.
The association also called for the establishment of a national compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement framework for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks.
CAN noted that families of victims, survivors with permanent injuries and displaced communities continue to suffer long-term trauma without adequate institutional support.
It further stressed the need for structured psychological care, trauma counselling and reintegration programmes to address the human consequences of insecurity.
National Mourning and Black Sunday Declaration
CAN declared a three-day national mourning period beginning June 12, 2026, and ending June 14, 2026, in honour of Nigerians killed in violent attacks across the country.
The association said the mourning period is intended to serve as both a spiritual reflection and a national call to consciousness regarding the severity of insecurity.
It further declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as “Black Sunday,” to be observed across churches nationwide through prayers, memorial services and solidarity actions for victims.
CAN urged churches to intensify humanitarian support for displaced persons, trauma care and peacebuilding initiatives within affected communities.
The association said the symbolic observance is meant to remind the nation of the urgent need for collective action to address insecurity.
Political Distractions and Governance Concerns
CAN expressed concern that political activities, defections and early electioneering campaigns continue despite worsening insecurity in several parts of the country.
The association warned that such distractions risk shifting national attention away from urgent security challenges affecting millions of Nigerians.
It urged political leaders to prioritise the protection of lives and property over partisan and electoral considerations.
CAN also called for more responsible and decisive communication from public officials in addressing security incidents.
The communiqué warned that failure to act decisively could further erode public confidence in state institutions.
Call for National Unity and Collective Responsibility
CAN called on Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political divides to unite in confronting what it described as a national security emergency.
It urged labour unions, civil society organisations, student bodies, traditional rulers and professional associations to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and accountability.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, justice and human dignity, stressing that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of background.
It added that sustained advocacy, dialogue and civic engagement are necessary to achieve meaningful security reforms.
CAN concluded that prayer must be matched with action, insisting that Nigeria’s challenges require urgent and coordinated national response.
Rising Pressure for Security Reform
The resolutions of the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 represent one of CAN’s strongest interventions in recent years on Nigeria’s security situation.
By declaring national mourning and calling for a security emergency, the association has intensified pressure on the Federal Government to respond more decisively to worsening insecurity across the country.
The communiqué reflects growing concern among religious leaders about the capacity of existing security structures to protect citizens and restore stability.
As violence persists in several regions, CAN’s intervention adds to increasing national calls for urgent reforms, improved governance response and strengthened security coordination.
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