The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a national security emergency, warning that the worsening wave of killings, kidnappings, terrorist attacks and violent crimes across the country has reached a critical stage.
The call was made during the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 held in Abuja, where Christian leaders from different denominations gathered to discuss the growing security challenges facing Nigeria.
In a communiqué presented by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association expressed deep concern over what it described as the alarming deterioration of security nationwide, saying many communities are under constant threat from terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
According to CAN, innocent Nigerians continue to face murder, abductions, torture, displacement and other forms of violence, while many families live in fear and uncertainty.
The Christian body urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive measures to halt the bloodshed, restore public confidence and ensure the safety of citizens across the country.
As part of its response, CAN announced a three-day national mourning period from June 12 to June 14, while declaring June 14 as Black Sunday in churches nationwide to honour victims of insecurity and show solidarity with affected families.
The association also condemned the increasing attacks on schools, churches, farming communities and travellers, citing recent incidents in states including Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara and Kogi.
Church leaders stressed that protecting lives and property remains the government’s primary constitutional responsibility and called for stronger action against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Beyond declaring a security emergency, CAN advocated a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration among security agencies and increased accountability in the fight against insecurity.
The association also renewed calls for the establishment of state police and other decentralised security structures, arguing that local security systems would improve intelligence gathering and speed up responses to threats.
CAN further demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted citizens, including schoolchildren and teachers currently being held by kidnappers across different parts of the country.
The church leaders also called for compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programmes for victims of terrorism and violent attacks, noting that many displaced Nigerians continue to suffer without adequate support.
Expressing concern over growing political activities ahead of future elections, CAN urged political leaders to prioritise security and national unity rather than focusing on partisan interests and early campaigns.
The association pledged to continue engaging government institutions, security agencies and relevant stakeholders while maintaining pressure for urgent action to address Nigeria’s security crisis.
