CAN urges FG to declare state of emergency on security

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently declare a state of emergency on security, warning that the escalating wave of insecurity across the country requires immediate and decisive action.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Church Denominational Leaders Summit 2026.

The summit, themed “The State of the Nation and the Way Forward,” brought together church leaders, bloc representatives and delegates from across the country to assess national challenges and chart a path forward.

Okoh clarified that the call was not an attack on the administration of President Bola Tinubu but a reminder of the government’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives, protect territorial integrity and promote the welfare of citizens.

“We are talking to a government that still has a level of responsibility, and so they will listen. We hope that when they listen, they will do the needful,” he said.

“It has come to that point where the government will have to declare a state of emergency on security.”

Addressing questions on whether Nigerians should resort to self-defence, the CAN president acknowledged that self-preservation is a natural instinct but stressed that any defensive action must remain within the bounds of the law.

“It is a natural human instinct for one to defend himself,” Okoh said.

“But what we are saying in CAN is that people and churches should be able to defend themselves, their properties and their homes within reasonable legal limits.”

He noted that CAN would continue to engage the government through public advocacy and diplomatic channels to ensure greater accountability in tackling the nation’s security challenges.

According to him, the summit marks the beginning of a series of strategic engagements aimed at promoting peace and improving safety for all Nigerians.

Okoh further observed that insecurity, which was once concentrated in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, is increasingly spreading to southern parts of the country.

The cleric also expressed support for international partnerships aimed at combating insecurity, particularly ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.

“If you are overwhelmed and people are coming to help you, you will not say no. You will welcome them, provided they follow the proper lines of engagement,” he said.

“Our government is cooperating with the government of the United States and security agencies to help dislodge these miscreants and terrorists.

“The position of CAN has not changed. If it takes other countries coming to help us out of this situation, so be it.”

The association reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across the country. (NAN).