From Divine Macaulay, in Kaduna
A high-level delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North today, Tuesday May 13, held a closed-door meeting with top security chiefs in Abuja, raising deep concerns over escalating insecurity and increasing cases of religious discrimination in several northern states.
The meeting, which was held at the NSA’s complex in Abuja, had in attendance the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
In a 14-point communiqué signed by CAN 19 Northern States Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and Secretary-General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the group commended the NSA’s openness but warned that the ongoing spate of insecurity, marginalization, and systemic bias against Christians in the North could inflame tensions and derail the nation’s fragile peace.
The communiqué identified inflammatory religious messages, particularly by some clerics, as a major trigger of ethno-religious crises, calling for urgent sensitization and regulation of religious preaching across faiths.
CAN also decried the misuse of social media to spread falsehoods and inciting content, urging the government to equip security agencies with digital tracking tools to identify and prosecute offenders.
The Christian body expressed grave concern over the increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), warning that failure to resettle and rehabilitate victims of violence risks entrenching a dangerous cycle of trauma and retribution.
They commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the National Commission for Almajiris and Out-of-School Children but urged that its mandate be expanded to include rehabilitation, conventional education, and adoption initiatives.
On the reintegration of ex-Boko Haram militants, CAN said current processes are flawed, noting that some reintegrated fighters have turned into threats in host communities. The group insisted on robust de-radicalization protocols before reintegration.
Equally troubling, CAN said, is the denial of access to land for building churches, discrimination in appointments, admissions into tertiary institutions, and forceful conversions of underage Christian girls under the guise of marriage.
These acts, the leaders warned, are eroding national trust and violating constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and association.
They called on the federal government to investigate and address these violations, warning that silence or inaction could escalate religious tensions.
To foster enduring peace, the Christian leaders proposed the establishment of a North-wide interfaith stakeholders’ forum, involving respected Muslim and Christian leaders to jointly develop strategies for peaceful coexistence.
CAN also recommended increased sensitization of youths on drug abuse and the role of religious institutions in security cooperation.
Despite the weighty issues raised, the CAN leadership expressed deep appreciation to the NSA and its team for the opportunity to present their concerns and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies in pursuit of national stability.
“We consider this engagement as a bold step towards securing the nation through open, honest, and inclusive dialogue,” the communiqué stated.
The interaction is seen as part of the NSA’s broader peacebuilding initiative to consult critical stakeholders across the federation amid growing security threats and socio-religious fault lines.
