Nigeria’s Catholic Bishops and Sultan of Sokoto Urge Government to Tackle Rising Insecurity

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria warned that insecurity is the biggest challenge facing the country, citing daily attacks by Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers and the displacement of communities. The bishops made the appeal during a thanksgiving Mass for Cardinal Anthony Okogie's 90th birthday at Holy Cross Cathedral in Lagos, urging President Bola Tinubu and all levels of government to equip and motivate security agencies. Archbishop Alfred Martins said the best gift for the cardinal would be a safer nation where citizens can travel and sleep without fear, adding that “everyone is tired of the persistent killings, kidnappings and violence.”

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also called for urgent action, stating that the security situation is deteriorating despite ongoing efforts. In a message marking the Islamic New Year, he urged collective action from citizens, religious leaders and security agencies, directing imams to hold special prayers and appealing for prayers for peace. He said, “The time has come for us to look inward and rededicate ourselves to Allah while working together with relevant security agencies to stabilise the nation.” Both religious leaders emphasized the need for the federal government to intensify measures against the wave of violence.