Disarm terrorists, end killings, fellowship group urges FG

The Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship has urged the Federal Government to move decisively against terrorist groups, bandits, and violent militias threatening peace and unity across the country.

The Fellowship made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 60th Anniversary Summit, held in Abuja from November 3rd to 6th, 2025, on Thursday.

NEF said it had 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.”

They called on the government “to take urgent actions to address the growing threat of terror and insecurity in Nigeria.”

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 Communique partly read.

The call by the Christian organisation comes amid growing domestic and international debate over allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

Following the allegations, US President Donald Trump recently redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” directing the Department of War to “prepare for possible military action”, while also stating that American aid and assistance to Nigeria will be cut off immediately if the killings continue.

However, Nigerian officials have repeatedly dismissed the claims, insisting that the violence is widespread, across several religions, and is driven by terrorism, criminality, and competition over land and resources, rather than religion.

The NEF, which comprises evangelical churches and mission agencies across the country and is affiliated with the Association of Evangelicals in Africa and the World Evangelical Alliance, also pressed the federal authorities to “support collaborative efforts to combat terror and other security challenges,” and protect vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

The association also called for greater protection of religious freedom and tolerance, while asking the government to tackle the social, economic, and environmental problems fueling instability across the nation.

“Nigeria Evangelical Fellowship (NEF) is committed to unity, progress, prosperity, and collaboration, speaking with one voice for truth, justice, and peace in Nigeria,” the communiqué added.