The Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF) has called on the Federal Government to take stronger and more decisive action against terrorist groups, bandits, and violent militias responsible for widespread insecurity across the country.
The appeal was contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday at the end of the Fellowship’s 60th Anniversary Summit held in Abuja between November 3 and 6, 2025.
NEF said it had taken “a sober reflection” on what it described as the growing pattern of religious- and ethnic-driven violence, repeated attacks on communities, and escalating insecurity in different parts of Nigeria.
According to the communiqué, the Fellowship is urging the government “to take urgent actions to address the growing threat of terror and insecurity in Nigeria.”
It stated,
“The Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship has reflected soberly on the painful reality of religious and ethnic-motivated terrorism, violence and recurring attacks on communities and citizens across various regions of our nation, and urges the federal government to take urgent actions to address the growing threat of terror and insecurity in Nigeria.
‘The Fellowship calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, as a matter of urgency to: prioritise national security and stability by arresting, prosecuting and disarming all terrorist groups, bandits and violent militias operating within Nigerian communities.’”
The statement comes at a time when both local and international debates are intensifying over allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria — claims that have led US President Donald Trump to reclassify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump recently ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible military action” and threatened to halt American assistance if the killings persisted.
Nigerian authorities, however, continue to reject the genocide allegations, insisting that the violence is driven by terrorism, criminality, and resource conflicts, and affects Nigerians of different religious backgrounds.
NEF, which brings together evangelical churches and mission agencies nationwide, and is affiliated with both the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and the World Evangelical Alliance, also urged the government to support joint efforts to confront security threats, protect vulnerable communities, and facilitate the return of displaced people to their original homes.
The Fellowship further appealed for stronger protection of religious freedom, promotion of tolerance, and coordinated action to address the social, economic, and environmental drivers of insecurity.
The communiqué added,
“Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF) is committed to unity, progress, prosperity, and collaboration, speaking with one voice for truth, justice, and peace in Nigeria.”
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