The Northern Nigeria Christian Youth Network (NNCYN) has raised concerns over worsening insecurity across the country and called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take swift and decisive action to address escalating terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National Coordinator, Lawrence Samaila, the group said persistent attacks in northern states have turned many communities into unsafe zones. It listed Plateau, Kaduna—particularly Southern Kaduna—Benue, Niger, Kwara, and Kogi as among the most affected.
The NNCYN condemned recent incidents, including the killing of a senior military officer and three others by terrorists linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as the kidnapping of 64 people in Tsafe Local Government Area. It also cited attacks on schools and worship centres, such as the abduction of about 25 female students from a Government Girls Secondary School in Kebbi State, the kidnapping of 38 church worshippers in Kwara State, and the seizure of 15 persons in Sabon Birni, Sokoto State.
The group cautioned against interpreting the crisis as a religious conflict, stressing that both Christians and Muslims are victims. It described the situation as terrorism and organized criminality, warning that religious framing could worsen national divisions.
The NNCYN urged the Federal Government to strengthen security agencies through improved funding, modern equipment, enhanced intelligence operations, and proactive field engagement. It also called for collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, local communities, and the international community to support technology-driven security initiatives, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.
While pledging support for genuine efforts to restore peace, the organisation urged political figures accused of benefiting from the crisis to desist, warning that accountability would eventually prevail. It reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise youths across the region in support of peacebuilding and community security efforts.
