Northern CAN Leaders Interface With Security Chiefs, Frown At Discrimination

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) from the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has raised concerns bordering on national security, religious freedom, and institutional discrimination.

The high-level meeting, which held  at the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Complex in Abuja, also had in attendance 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  and signed by the chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and secretary-general, Bishop Mohammed Naga, it commended the NSA’s openness on the subject matter but warned that the ongoing spate of insecurity, marginalisation, and systemic bias against Christians in the North could inflame tensions and derail the nation’s fragile peace.

The communique also identified inflammatory religious messages, particularly by some clerics, as a major trigger of ethno-religious crises, calling for urgent sensitisation and regulation of religious preaching across the faiths.

Northern CAN also decried the misuse of social media to spread falsehoods and incite 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.

Northern CAN also frowned at 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 recommends increased sensitisation of youths on drug abuse and the role of religious institutions in security cooperation.

Despite the weighty issues raised, the Northern CAN leadership expressed deep appreciation to the NSA and his 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 part of the NSA’s broader peace building initiative to consult critical stakeholders across the federation amid growing security threats and socio-religious fault lines.