Insecurity: CAN  Urges FG To Seek Foreign Help, Calls For State Of Emergency

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West zone, has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security and adopt urgent measures to stem the rising tide of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes.

The association expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, particularly in the South-West region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of CAN South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, described the growing wave of abductions and attacks in states such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos as a serious threat to national peace, economic development, and social stability.

The association insisted that the deteriorating security situation warrants declaring a security emergency to coordinate an aggressive response against criminal elements.

Recognising the increasingly sophisticated operations of criminal gangs, CAN advised the Federal Government to seek technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary.

Expressing concern over the vulnerability of forests, highways, farmlands, and border communities across the South-West, CAN warned that criminal elements are increasingly exploiting these areas as operational bases.

The association called on governors in the region to strengthen inter-state security collaboration, improve intelligence sharing, and provide greater support for existing regional security outfits.

It also advocated increased investment in community-based intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to detect and prevent criminal activities before they occur.

The Christian body noted that incidents of kidnappings and other violent crimes, once considered isolated cases, have now become a recurring national challenge that continues to instill fear and uncertainty among citizens.

CAN condemned the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements terrorising communities across the country, while expressing sympathy with victims and their families.

The association also offered prayers for the safe release of those still in captivity and comfort for families who have lost loved ones to criminal attacks.

The association urged governments at all levels to move beyond verbal assurances and take concrete, decisive actions to address the nation’s security challenges.

According to CAN, extraordinary times require extraordinary responses, underscoring the need to deploy modern security technologies, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve coordination among security agencies.

“The time has come for governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to confront this national emergency,” the statement read.

CAN specifically called on the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s security architecture by equipping security agencies with modern surveillance equipment, drones, advanced communication gadgets, intelligence systems, and rapid-response capabilities needed to combat criminal networks.

The association pointed out that national security should take precedence over political considerations, bureaucratic bottlenecks, or concerns about national pride.

“Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored,” CAN stated.

The Christian body also renewed its support for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to accelerate efforts towards decentralising policing in the country.

According to CAN, state policing has become imperative given the unique security challenges facing different regions of the country.

While acknowledging the growing security concerns, CAN urged Christians not to surrender to fear, encouraging them to continue praying for peace, security, and national healing.

The association, however, advised churches and worshippers to exercise caution during night vigils and other late-night religious activities, especially in areas where adequate security arrangements may not be guaranteed.

It further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel through high-risk areas, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

Praying for divine intervention, the association concluded: “May God deliver our nation from the hands of evil and restore lasting peace, security, and prosperity to Nigeria.”