NEWS
Navigating Nigeria’s Insecurity: The Church as Moral Compass for Peace
By Kevin Okunzuwa
The avalanche of angry reactions trailing the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” was expected, given the escalating insecurity and the fragile state of the nation.
Yet, amid the crisis and rising voices of fear, some churches and clerics maintain that the body of Christ has a responsibility to help guide the country out of its current challenges.
Leading the crusade for voices of reason, the Catholic Church in Nigeria described the church as society’s moral compass for peace and development in times of uncertainty.
Fr. Peter Babangida-Audu, the Director, Department of Church and Society of the Catholic Church, made the declaration in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recently in Lagos.
Babangida-Audu spoke on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the Catholic Secretariat Department of Church and Society held in Abuja.
The cleric described the Church as society’s moral compass, stressing that “it is called not to retreat during moments of insecurity, but to take the lead’’.
According to him, the church is called to be a credible witness to hope, a defender of human dignity, and an agent of integral development.
“Today’s gathering brings together the richness of our five units. Education, Health, Migrants and Refugees, Family and Human Life, and the Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC).
“Each contributes uniquely to the church’s social mission; when we bring these strengths together, we become a formidable force for national transformation, turning displacement to development.
“Our first sub-theme, ‘Displacement to Development: Solidarity with the Vulnerable in the Year of Hope’, reminds us of the millions of Nigerians displaced by conflict, poverty, natural disasters, and social instability.
“As a Church, our response cannot end at providing relief; we must accompany people along the entire journey – from displacement to empowerment, from despair to dignity, from trauma to transformation,” he said.
He said that the Church must form consciences, promote justice, insist on good governance, strengthen civic participation, and mobilise for peaceful political processes.
“Our JDPC structures are uniquely positioned to guide this process with integrity and courage.
“One of our strategic goals in the years ahead is to continue to build stronger inter-unit collaboration.
“No single unit can address Nigeria’s complex social challenges alone; education influences peace building; family life affects migration; health supports development; JDPC drives governance and stability,” he said.
According to him, there is a need for the church to rediscover its identity as a harbinger of hope– one that speaks, acts, and serves with the conviction that Nigeria can rise again.
In addition, the Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, said that only a unity of purpose among religious leaders and organisations could guarantee the rediscovery of purposeful leadership and good governance.
He lamented that the virtues of religious tolerance and mutual respect that once endeared Nigeria to the international community had become a sad anomaly.
According to Onaiyekan, that once beautiful narrative has now become a sad anomaly.
The cleric spoke at the 9th International Conference on “Love and Tolerance”, convened by the Ufuk Dialogue at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Bridging Divides – Building Trust in a Polarised World,” Onaiyekan said that the world was currently witnessing religious organisations and people coming together.
He contrasted the trend with the situation in Nigeria, observing that while the global drift pointed towards greater religious unity, Nigerians were instead using religion to divide and tear themselves apart.
“I am 81, and 20 years ago, I thought we were making progress and that we would soon do away with evil people using religion to divide us.
“Why are we allowing this polarisation? People are afraid to talk because they are afraid of offending people.
“Indeed, God created us differently, so let us celebrate our differences and welcome one another.
“Nigeria used to be a model of religious tolerance and mutual respect.
“Twenty years ago, I used to boast about it, but I do not know what has happened,” he said.
The co-founder of the Interfaith Initiatives for Peace (IIP) said Christians and Muslims should embrace their differences and build bridges so they could jointly confront the nation’s common enemies.
According to the octogenarian, both Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions.
“If either a Christian or a Muslim believes their Gods are different, it implies the existence of at least two Gods—something neither faith teaches
“If we can work on honesty in every sphere of our national life, we can make progress.
“Let us agree that we have differences; only then can we work together for the development of our country,” he said.
The Director-General of the IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said the conference was taking place at a time when polarisation had become increasingly evident in the country.
Represented by Dr Emmanuel Mamman, a director at the institute, Ochogwu said that women, youths, and traditional and religious institutions must play a central role in bridging divides and rebuilding trust.
“Trust cannot be legislated; it is cultivated through those who hold moral influence and generational reach.
“Women have long been silent architects of unity because they mediate family and community disputes by detecting early signs of tension and spearhead recovery efforts after crises.
“The youths also represent enormous potential because of their technological skills, cultural connection, and global awareness.
“Yet, many feel excluded from national discourse.
“Rebuilding trust requires meaningful engagement of young people as co-creators of solutions, not passive recipients,” he said.
In his submission, the President of Ufuk Dialogue, Mr Emrah Ilgen, said the annual conference was conceived to promote dialogue, culture of coexistence, mutual understanding, and to establish a common platform for promoting peace.
He said peace was a prerequisite for growth and development, and that any society that failed to invest in peace could not progress.
Most Rev. Christopher Naseri, the Auxiliary Bishop of Calabar, represented by Fr. Evaristus Bassey, at the conference, highlighted the importance of mainstreaming Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Naseri said that the country’s current challenges were not the result of a religious war, but rather a crisis driven by poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
According to him, leaders often lack the will to implement policies that genuinely serve the common good.
He said that the church must act as a prophetic voice, advocating for justice, peace, and development.
The priest outlined the key principles of CST—including the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity—emphasising that these should guide the Church’s development efforts.
Naseri further called for the Church to actively engage in advocacy and policy making, applying CST principles to shape its actions.
He recommended stronger collaboration with the government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development and address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
In the same vein, Most Rev. Sunday Ndukwo, Archbishop, Special Duties, At-Large of the Methodist Church Nigeria, said the way out of the current challenges was for leaders to become truthful to themselves and do right.
Onuoha declared that Nigeria would not overcome its deepening insecurity crisis “unless the nation confronts the truth about the scale of the problem.
Speaking in Abuja during a thanksgiving service held after his investiture as Archbishop of Special Duties, Onuoha said the country had slipped into a worrying cycle of dependence — borrowing not only money, but even the basic technologies required for survival.
He cautioned that Nigeria could no longer continue “pretending that all is well” while kidnappings, attacks on vulnerable communities and widespread fear persisted across the country.
Onuoha urged Nigerians to stop pretending and begin rebuilding the nation with truth, responsibility and accountability.
Ultimately, stakeholders maintain that strong political will and sustained interfaith dialogue were crucial in navigating Nigeria’s complex security situation. (NAN)
TOM CHIAHEMEN
All is now set for the grand celebration of the 30th Anniversary of Club De Pals Abuja, the foremost socio-cultural association of Tiv professionals resident and working in the federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
The grand celebration, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 6th December 2025 at the Royal Choice Inn Hotel located within the National Christian Centre – behind the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) headquarters in the Central Business Centre, Abuja, has as its theme, “30 Unbroken Years of Sustained Unity in Friendship.
”Highlights of the event, according to the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the 30th Anniversary celebration, Dr Cletus Akwaya, include the unveiling of the revised Club De Pals Constitution, inauguration of the newly constituted Board of Trustees, special recognition of deceased Members and, Fund Raising for the construction of a Permanent Club House Secretariat.
Other activities include a keynote address by a former Nigerian Ambassador to Russia and current Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Professor Steve Ugbah, cuttingof the Anniversary Cake and, presentation of Awards to past presidents of the Club and other deserving Nigerians.
Formed and registered in 1995 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) of Tiv young professionals in the Nation’s capital, Club De Pals has since emerged as the single most formidable umbrella body that articulates the views and interests of the Tiv people of Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Cross River and Plateau states, as well as the FCT.
From its initial membership of 10 young professionals, the Club has today grown with well over 100 members, just as the association has produced, within the 30 years of its existence, university professors, directors in the federal civil service, state commissioners, publishers and media owners, senior legal practitioners, engineers, medical doctors, pharmacists, architects and school proprietors.
Within the 30 years of its existence, Club De Pals has contributed immensely to community development, philanthropy, humanitarian services and other good causes, including interventions in the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of ecological disasters, communal conflicts and terrorism and other individuals and groups with health and educational challenges.
TOM CHIAHEMEN
Chairman, Media & Publicity Sub-Commitee
NEWS
Military Neutralises Scores, Rescues 318 Victims as Armed Forces Intensify Nationwide Operations
By David Torough, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) says its troops recorded major breakthroughs across all theatres of operation in November, neutralising scores of terrorists and other criminal elements, arresting dozens of suspects, and rescuing 318 kidnapped victims nationwide.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this during the Defence Headquarters’ monthly press briefing on ongoing military operations.
He said the operations targeted terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, separatist violence, oil theft and maritime criminality across the country.According to him, more than 69 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops during the period under review, while intensive ground, air and maritime operations degraded several criminal networks in the North East, North West, North Central, South East and South South regions.
General Onoja noted that the AFN also foiled oil theft valued at N217.6 million, destroying 16 illegal refining sites and recovering over 289,000 litres of stolen crude and illegally refined products.
North East Operations
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists across Borno and Adamawa states, carrying out aggressive clearance operations supported by close air support missions. Several terrorists were neutralised, six informants arrested, and five kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons, vehicles and motorcycles were seized, while terrorist camps were destroyed.
North West Operations
Under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, troops conducted offensive operations across Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, Kebbi and Jigawa states. Numerous terrorists were neutralised, 13 suspects arrested, and nine kidnapped victims freed. Air strikes on terrorist enclaves in Kankara and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State eliminated scores of fighters and destroyed their logistics bases.
North Central Operations
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded significant gains across Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi and the FCT. Across these missions, dozens of extremists were neutralised, 48 suspects arrested, and 30 kidnap victims rescued. Arms, ammunition, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered.
South South Operations
Operation DELTA SAFE troops uncovered and destroyed four illegal refining sites and arrested 25 suspected oil thieves in Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states. They also recovered 12,390 litres of stolen crude and AGO during the week, while offensive and air reconnaissance operations neutralised several other criminals.
South East Operations
In the South East, Operation UDO KA troops sustained offensive operations across Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River. Several terrorists were neutralised, four arrested, and four kidnapped victims rescued. Air interdiction missions in Ezeagu LGA destroyed terrorist hideouts and logistics.
General Onoja commended the bravery and professionalism of troops and urged continued public cooperation through the provision of credible information. He also called for support for the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem launched by President Bola Tinubu on December 2.
He assured Nigerians that the military is intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of all remaining abducted students, reaffirming its resolve to restore peace and security across the country.
“Despite the challenges, our operational tempo remains high. We continue to operate within the ambit of the law and are committed to ensuring that every part of Nigeria enjoys peace and freedom from fear,” he said.
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…Says He Can’t Work as Team Member with Chris Musa
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Following the resignation of Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, an internationally acclaimed Nigerian security expert, Dr Lekan Jackson Ojo has called on Minister of State (Defence), Bello Matawalle.
Dr Ojo declared that Matawalle, just like the immediate past Minister of Defence, has not shown that he is capable of handling the responsibilities of the office he is presently occupying.
He stressed that Matawalle has been very dormant since his appointment and has exhibited poor response to security challenges in the country.
“I think Matawalle should also follow immediately, that is the Minister of State for Defence.
These two persons are not relevant, they ran their states aground as governors.”Dr Jackson Ojo also called on President Tinubu to appraise members of his Cabinet and sack those that are not performing optimally.
“They came to the federal level and were honoured with positions of Minister of Defence and Minister of State. What has been their contributions to the administration?”
He also raised issues about the appointment of General Chris Musa as the new Minister of Defence, stressing that there could be conflict of interest since the new Defence Minister was once answerable to Matawalle when he was Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
“Minister of Defence is gone and I think Matawalle should follow. If Mr President should continue like this there are lots of others we will suggest he should fire them.
“He should bring in technocrats into his cabinet and not politicians. Congratulations to Nigerians that one is gone and more will still follow.”
“I want to congratulate Nigerians that former Minister of Defence, Badaru, has resigned, whether he resigned of was booted out. He was of no positive impact on Nigeria as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The office of Minister of Defense is a very sensitive one because without a good defence minister nothing will thrive.
“The position is occupied now by an experienced retired four-star army general, Chris Musa
“What is Bello Matawalle who was the Minister of State under Badaru still waiting for, is it until Mr President boots him out?
“Both of them did not achieve anything in office as My Minister and Minister of State.
“Recently we saw a video that went viral where Matawalle said verbatim that not all bandits are criminals. If somebody is saddled with the responsibility as Minister of Defence and he is having sympathy for some bandits it means Nigeria was almost doomed.
“There are lots of allegations by bandits that he was one of their sponsors. Let’s not take that on the face value because it can be political but this about having sympathy for bandits, coupled with the fact that both of them failed woefully and both of them should bow out.
“Pairing Matawalle and General Chris Musa together is like addicting pass and fail together – it won’t blend. The two of them cannot co-travel well at the Ministry of Defence.
“The two of them don’t have equal knowledge about defence matters. While General Chris Musa has vast knowledge of defence, Matawalle has no knowledge of defence.
“Chris Musa is an experienced man, we know him well but how can he pair with someone that has sympathy for bandits?
“So Matawalle should honourable bow out and if he fails to bow out Mr President should kick him out.”
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