CAN Calls for Decisive Security Measures in Northern States, Tambuwal Seeks Global Support for Nigeria

John Shiklam in Kaduna and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the northern governors to take urgent, decisive steps to protect lives and property during the Christmas season and beyond.
This is consistent with a former governor of Sokoto State and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, who has described Nigeria’s current security situation as “very concerning and alarming,” warning political leaders and the international community against politicising the country’s deepening insecurity.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, expressed concerns over the renewed activities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups in parts of the north.
He said the Christmas season, which should be marked by peace and goodwill, is being overshadowed by fear arising from persistent insecurity across Northern Nigeria.
“The Yuletide season ushers in a period of spiritual reflection, peace, and goodwill across the world as the world celebrates this occasion; I wish to call on President Bola Tinubu, governors of the northern states and the FCT minister to take urgent, visible, and decisive steps to guarantee the safety of lives and property during the celebrations and beyond”, Pam said.
According to him, the appeal is against the background of “persistent and deeply troubling security challenges confronting the nation in recent times, particularly the escalating activities of bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups across many parts of Northern Nigeria.”
Pam noted that insecurity has continued to “create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, significantly affecting the confidence of citizens, especially Christian faithful, who now find it increasingly difficult to travel freely and congregate for worship during this sacred period.”
The CAN chairman said information available to Northern CAN shows that many Christians are reconsidering travel plans due to fear for their lives.
He added that “a large number of Christians are considering staying back in their places of residence out of fear for their safety, as highways, rural communities, and even places of worship have become targets of violent attacks.
He said, “This unfortunate reality is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy where freedom of movement, worship, and association must be protected at all times.
“We therefore strongly urge the federal government and governments in the 19 Northern states to demonstrate renewed commitment to their constitutional obligations by strengthening security architecture, enhancing intelligence-driven operations, and deploying adequate security personnel to vulnerable areas, major highways, worship centres, and public gathering points throughout the Yuletide period.
According to him, “The assurance of safety for all citizens is fundamental to national unity and social stability.”
Pam also advised Christians to remain cautious, exercise wisdom, vigilance, and restraint, and remain steadfast in prayer and faith.
“Even in moments of great trial, we must continue to embody the message of peace, hope, and resilience, which this season signifies.
“We remain confident that the darkness of insecurity will not prevail indefinitely, and we trust that with purposeful leadership, collective responsibility, and divine intervention, Nigeria will overcome the present challenges and emerge stronger and more united,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Tambuwal, has warned political leaders and the international community against politicising the country’s deepening insecurity.

Tambuwal stated this yesterday while speaking with journalists in Sokoto, amid recent comments and policy positions by the US government that reportedly classified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

Tambuwal explained that the attackers were common enemies of the state and had targeted states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto.

 His call comes amid Trump’s threat to deploy American military forces over alleged large-scale persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria. 

He said the designation was “quite unfortunate,” arguing that it failed to reflect the true nature and complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges.

“I would like to believe that President Trump and the American government did not get the full grasp and appreciation of the Nigerian situation.

 “What we are facing is not a religious crisis but a security crisis affecting Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds,” Tambuwal said.

The former governor noted that the Pope had rightly acknowledged that Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike, are victims of widespread insecurity.

“These marauders do not represent any religion. How else can one explain their activities in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and other states? They are common criminals, after every soul that comes across them,” he added.

Tambuwal stressed that insecurity has become a national problem that transcends politics, ethnicity, and religion, insisting that collective action is urgently needed.

“You can’t even go to the mosque; you can’t go to church safely. This is not about a specific region or religion. It is about Nigeria,” he said.

He called on the United States and other global partners to reconsider their stance and instead support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in addressing the crisis.

 “It’s not about Bola Tinubu as a person. It’s not about APC or party politics. It’s about our country.

“Any country – America, France, the UK, Canada – that can support Nigeria to overcome insecurity should please do so,” Tambuwal said.

Drawing on his experience as a former governor, Tambuwal recalled that all 36 governors, regardless of party affiliation, once jointly supported the Buhari administration in procuring military assets to strengthen national security.

“At that time, about one billion dollars was taken from consolidated revenue funds to acquire Tucano aircraft. It wasn’t about party politics,” he said.

He, however, alleged that Nigeria was unable to fully deploy the aircraft because the United States did not supply all the necessary components.

He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to rise above political differences and work together to confront the insecurity threatening lives and livelihoods across the country.

Tambuwal also appealed to the media to continue playing a responsible role by reporting accurately and objectively.