NSCEA issues warning to terrorists, welcomes U.S. and Israeli counter-terrorism engagement
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has issued a strong warning to terrorist groups and their alleged sponsors, citing growing international attention and intervention by the United States and Israel in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Council said it had taken note of recent diplomatic, intelligence, and mediation efforts by the United States and Israel aimed at supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations. The NSCEA described the involvement as a response to what it called the worsening security situation, religious persecution, and targeted violence against civilians across the country.
The Council commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for steps taken to address insecurity and urged Nigerians to support national efforts to restore peace. It stressed that Nigeria should not negotiate with terrorist groups and must remain firm in pursuing justice and accountability.
According to the NSCEA, Nigeria’s terror crisis—linked to groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, armed bandits, and other violent networks—has assumed an international dimension due to mass killings, kidnappings, displacement of communities, and destruction of places of worship. The Council said these developments have drawn global concern, particularly from the United States, Canada, and Israel.
The statement warned that international intelligence and accountability mechanisms are increasingly focused on Nigeria, noting that financial flows, arms supplies, and political or ideological support structures linked to terrorism are under closer scrutiny. The NSCEA cautioned that no sponsor of terrorism, whether local or foreign, should assume immunity.
The Council further described sustained attacks on Christian communities, destruction of churches, and abduction of clergy as acts amounting to religious persecution and crimes against humanity. It argued that failure by any government or institution to confront terrorism decisively could amount to complicity through silence or inaction.
In its recommendations, the NSCEA called on the Federal Government to cooperate transparently with U.S. and Israeli counter-terrorism initiatives, end what it termed denial and token responses to insecurity, and ensure the arrest and prosecution of alleged terror sponsors regardless of status, ethnicity, or religion. It also urged the government to uphold religious freedom as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Council warned that failure to act decisively could lead to deeper international intervention, reputational damage, and possible sanctions.
Addressing the international community, the NSCEA commended the United States and Israel for their stance against terrorism and appealed to global institutions—including the United Nations, African Union, and European Union—to sustain pressure until terrorism in Nigeria is dismantled at its ideological, financial, and operational roots.
The statement, signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of the Elders’ Council of the NSCEA, concluded with a pledge that the Council would continue to work with government and stakeholders to promote peace, security, and national unity, stressing that “terrorism thrives only where accountability is weak” and that justice would ultimately prevail.
