The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) representing the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has voiced serious concerns over religious discrimination, national security threats, and the erosion of constitutional freedoms during a high-level meeting with security officials in Abuja.

The strategic meeting, which took place with National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was attended by top security officials including Department of State Services (DSS) Director General Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

In a comprehensive 14-point communiqué signed by Northern CAN Chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab and Secretary-General Bishop Mohammed Naga, the association warned that continued insecurity, marginalization, and structural bias against Christians in Northern Nigeria could deepen divisions and threaten the nation's fragile peace.

The Christian body specifically highlighted the increasing use of inflammatory rhetoric by certain religious leaders, identifying such utterances as significant drivers of ethno-religious violence. They called for immediate regulation of religious preaching and emphasized the need for accountability across all faiths.

CAN also expressed concern about the proliferation of fake news and provocative content on social media platforms, which they noted further inflames tensions in an already volatile environment.

The association raised alarm over the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) resulting from violence across the region. They also criticized current approaches to reintegrating former Boko Haram fighters, stating that some have become sources of insecurity within host communities.

Proposed Solutions

The Northern CAN delegation proposed several solutions to address these challenges, including:

- Regulation of religious preaching to curb inflammatory rhetoric

- Provision of digital tools for security agencies to track and prosecute those spreading harmful content on social media

- Implementation of thorough de-radicalization programs before reintegrating ex-combatants into communities

- Creation of a regional interfaith forum to promote peaceful coexistence and social harmony

Additionally, the Christian body urged the government to expand the mandate of the National Commission for Almajiris and Out-of-School Children to include conventional education and comprehensive rehabilitation efforts.

The meeting concluded with the Northern CAN delegation expressing gratitude to the NSA for providing a platform to voice their concerns. They reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with security agencies to promote national unity and stability in Nigeria.