NSCEA, CAN laud U.S. Intervention against ISIS militants
Commend Tinubu–U.S. Security Cooperation
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have welcomed recent United States intervention against ISIS-affiliated militants operating in parts of Northwest Nigeria, describing the action as a positive step in weakening transnational extremist networks.
The religious bodies made the remarks in response to a report by International Christian Concern (ICC), which highlighted U.S. operations targeting terrorist elements responsible for widespread violence across the country. NSCEA and CAN expressed appreciation to former U.S. President Donald Trump and the United States government for supporting efforts aimed at protecting civilians and degrading terrorist capabilities.
In a statement issued from Abuja and signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of the Elders’ Council of the NSCEA, the organisations noted that Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved into a prolonged humanitarian crisis affecting multiple regions and communities.
They emphasized that while Christian communities have suffered severe attacks over the years, Muslims and adherents of other faiths have also been killed, displaced, or forced to flee their homes, stressing that terrorism in Nigeria is not a religious conflict but a shared national tragedy.
“Christians, Muslims, and people of other beliefs have all suffered grievously from insurgency,” the statement said, adding that “any sincere effort aimed at protecting innocent lives and dismantling terror networks deserves acknowledgment.”
NSCEA and CAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, describing such partnerships as critical in confronting extremist groups whose operations transcend national borders and threaten stability across West Africa.
The organisations further acknowledged the role of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in supporting counterterrorism efforts, noting that international security collaboration—when conducted with respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and international humanitarian law—can help reduce civilian casualties and weaken terrorist organisations.
However, they cautioned that military action alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. The NSCEA called for a comprehensive approach that includes improved governance, justice and accountability, humanitarian support for displaced persons, and long-term socio-economic development to address the root causes of radicalisation.
The statement also urged religious and community leaders nationwide to continue promoting interfaith dialogue, unity, and peaceful coexistence, warning that extremist groups exploit division and fear to advance their agenda.
NSCEA reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the protection of all Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and to supporting initiatives that uphold human dignity, religious freedom, and the rule of law.
The statement was signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of the Elders’ Council, Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Abuja.
