NIGERIA: "The State of the Nation and the Way Forward"

The following communiqué was issued at the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 against a backdrop of worsening insecurity, Muslim extremism, kidnappings, abductions and the killing of Christians by Boko Haram and other extremist Muslim groups.

From: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

1.⁠ ⁠PREAMBLE

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) convened the National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026 to prayerfully review the state of the nation and chart a collective path towards peace, justice, security and national renewal.

The Summit took place against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining public confidence in state institutions, growing social fragmentation, and increasing threats to the lives, dignity and well-being of Nigerians. Participants deliberated extensively on the challenges confronting the nation and the Church and resolved to speak with one voice in defense of truth, justice, human dignity and the sanctity of life.

2.⁠ ⁠CHALLENGES THAT LED TO THE SUMMIT

The Summit was convened amid an unprecedented wave of violence sweeping across the country. Communities are under attack, citizens are kidnapped from their homes and places of work, travelers are abducted on highways, farmers are driven from their lands, while innocent men, women and children are killed, maimed, displaced and, in some cases, brutally beheaded by criminal and terrorist elements.

Participants noted with deep concern the growing attacks on churches, schools and vulnerable communities, the increasing sophistication of criminal networks, and the apparent inability of existing security arrangements to provide adequate protection for citizens.

The Summit further observed that thousands of Nigerians remain displaced from their ancestral communities, many families continue to live in fear, and victims of violence often receive little support, justice or compensation.

3.⁠ ⁠ATTENDANCE

The Summit was attended by leaders of Christian denominations and blocs across Nigeria, including representatives of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Organisation of African Instituted Churches, TEKAN/ECWA and other member bodies of CAN, alongside church administrators, legal practitioners, security experts and Christian leaders from across the six geopolitical zones.

4.⁠ ⁠CHALLENGES FACING NIGERIA AND THE CHURCH

The Summit expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country and recalled recent incidents of mass abductions, killings and attacks in Oyo, Ogun, Borno, Kwara, Kogi and other states.

Participants noted with particular concern the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers, attacks on farming communities, continued terrorist activities in parts of the North-East, and the spread of kidnapping and violent crime into areas previously considered relatively safe.

The Summit lamented the loss of countless lives, the destruction of livelihoods, the displacement of communities and the deep trauma inflicted on victims and their families. Participants warned that the continuing assault on human life, freedom and dignity poses a serious threat to national stability, unity and development.

5.⁠ ⁠RESOLUTIONS

Following extensive deliberations, CAN resolved as follows:

5.1 CAN expresses profound alarm over the escalating violence across Nigeria, including killings, kidnappings, abductions, terrorist attacks and the destruction of communities. CAN condemns in the strongest terms the barbaric acts of murder, beheading, torture, rape, abduction and forced displacement being perpetrated against innocent citizens, and called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security across the country.

5.2 CAN reminds the Federal Government that the protection of lives and property remains its foremost constitutional responsibility and demanded urgent, decisive and measurable action to halt the bloodshed and restore public confidence.

5.3 CAN calls for a comprehensive review of the nation's security architecture, enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved operational effectiveness and greater accountability in the fight against terrorism, banditry and violent crime.

5.4 CAN calls for the immediate acceleration of constitutional and legislative processes leading to the establishment of State Police and other lawful decentralized security structures capable of improving intelligence gathering, rapid response and local accountability.

5.5 CAN urges stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, faith-based organizations, traditional rulers, civil society groups and local communities to confront the growing threats to national peace and stability.

5.6 CAN demands the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other citizens currently held captive by criminal elements across the country and calls on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts until every victim regains freedom.

5.7 CAN calls on churches across the country to strengthen support systems for victims of violence, displaced persons and affected communities through humanitarian assistance, trauma care, peacebuilding initiatives, youth engagement programmes and public awareness campaigns.

5.8 CAN demands the establishment of a comprehensive compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement programme for victims of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks. Families who have lost loved ones, persons who have suffered permanent injuries, and communities whose homes, schools, churches and livelihoods have been destroyed deserve justice, support and restoration.

5.9 CAN further demands the safe return, protection and resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral communities under adequate security guarantees.

5.10 CAN affirms that prayer must be matched with action and resolves to intensify advocacy, civic engagement and sustained dialogue with the Presidency, security agencies, the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders.

5.11 CAN declares Friday, June 12, as the commencement of a three-day period of national mourning, to continue through Sunday, June 14, 2026. CAN further designates Sunday, June 14, 2026, as BLACK SUNDAY across churches in Nigeria in honour of victims of violence and in solidarity with families affected by insecurity.

5.12 CAN expresses grave concern that political calculations, defections and premature electioneering activities continue while many communities remain under siege. CAN therefore calls on political leaders and parties to suspend divisive political distractions and focus national attention on restoring security, protecting citizens and rebuilding public confidence.

5.13 CAN calls on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), student bodies, civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional institutions and all people of goodwill to join Christian Association of Nigeria in holding government accountable and ensuring a sustained commitment to securing lives and property.

5.14 CAN reaffirmed its commitment to Christian unity, peace, justice and the defence of human dignity.

5.15 CAN calls on all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, to unite in defence of human life, national security and the common good, recognising that the current security crisis constitutes a collective national emergency requiring urgent and coordinated action.

5.16 CAN notes with concern the apparent inadequacy of intelligence gathering and coordination mechanisms and criticizes recurring resort to conciliatory and pacifist rhetoric by senior government officials in response to grave security threats. CAN urges a more decisive, proactive and results-oriented approach to national security.

CONCLUSION

The Summit expresses profound appreciation to all Church leaders, bloc leaders, denominational leaders, delegates and participants from across the country for their commitment, unity, courage and patriotism in responding to the urgent challenges confronting the nation. Their frank contributions, collective wisdom and unwavering dedication to the cause of peace, justice, security and national renewal enriched the deliberations and outcomes of the Summit..

Church leaders reaffirms their resolve to remain united, vigilant and steadfast in prayer, advocacy and constructive engagement for the good of Nigeria, while trusting God to guide the nation towards peace, security, justice and lasting prosperity.

Signed by the CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh.